There’s a cost to losing a legislator like Puad

 The news that former Rengit assemblyman Puad Zarkashi is retiring is bad for democratic politics.

From Terence Netto

That Umno supreme council member and former Johor state legislator Puad Zarkashi is quitting the party is bad news for aficionados of the cut and thrust of democratic debate.

Puad, who was also speaker of the Johor state assembly that was dissolved on June 1, said that at 69 he ought to make way for younger Umno candidates to contest in the upcoming state polls.

It is doubtful that younger replacements can match Puad’s ability to give persuasive reasons for the criticisms he has levelled over the past several years at opponents and allies in Johor and national politics.

Democracy is also about the art of giving persuasive reasons for one’s policies and stances; Puad was adept at the game.

Which is why the news of his intention to not contest in the upcoming state election and leaving Umno is dismaying to appreciators of the craft of democratic debate.

Over the past several years enthusiasts of this art were entertained by the arguments, barbs and sallies that emanated from Puad — aimed at opponents and critics of Umno who took issue with the party and its advocates.

In the exchanges, Puad gave as good as he got.

In politics only bores are insufferable, and because the type is inevitable in the game, an exponent of Puad’s forensic skill and stiletto thrusts is valued.

There would be fewer yawns and other signs of boredom in the proceedings.

In remarks announcing his intention to retire, Puad has referred to alleged conduct by the palace that smacked of interference in state politics.

No doubt, this serious allegation will be the stuff of comment from quarters concerned in the next few days.

It is just like Puad to bring up the matter, assuming it is true: individuals of his sharpness of speech won’t lack the temerity to raise legitimate concerns.

More the reason to regret his decision to retire from electoral politics. - FMT

Terence Netto is a senior journalist and an FMT reader.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.