BN leaders come to Waytha’s defence

But, they say the deputy minister must check his facts before making any future statements.

PETALING JAYA: There is no need for deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department P Waythamoorthy to quit his government post over his remarks on the police killing of suspected criminals in Penang last week.

Several non-Umno BN leaders believed there was “no reason” for Waythamoorthy to resign despite calls to do so by Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein and Deputy Home Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaffar.

“The only mistake he made was that he should’ve asked for a proper investigation over the matter before accusing the police of not following procedures when firing at those gangsters,” Kedah Gerakan Youth Chief Tan Keng Liang told FMT.

“I don’t think there is a need to step down. Why should he step down?” he asked.

“He should have checked his facts first before making accusations,” he reiterated.

Labis MP Chua Tee Yong said the progressing political scenario should enable Cabinet ministers to “state their stand” on an issue.

“However, he must also acknowledge collective responsibility. It is important that he makes statements after getting the facts,” he said.

Asked if Waythamoorthy should step down from his ministerial post, Chua said there was “no need to”.

“If he said it is based on the sentiments of the public, then it is not correct. But if he is highlighting a relevant issue, then it should be investigated,” he said.

Tan said there was no pertinent need for Waythamoorthy to resign as “people are bound to make errors in life and become emotional in a matter”.

“It’s a learning curve for him (Waythamoorthy) as a new deputy minister to check before barging at the police or some others in future,” he said.

“I don’t think there is a need for him to resign at this state. There is just no reason to.”

Umno man echoes leaders’ call

However, Cheras Umno division chief Syed Ali Alhabshee maintained that Waythamoorthy should step down from his post for speaking out against the police over the shootings.

“As a Cabinet minister, he should be open minded, not relate the issue to a certain race,” he said.

“This is not an issue of Indians getting shot at, but of law and the action of the police to combat crime. Why is Waythamoorthy acting like he is blaming the police?” he asked.

“If he cannot differentiate his role and responsibility as Hindraf (Hindu Rights Action Force) chairman and a Cabinet minister, then he should resign immediately.”