We cannot be fools or opportunists, says DAP's Aziz Bari

Constitutional law expert Abdul Aziz Bari's remarks concerning Dr Mahathir Mohamad have ruffled the feathers of certain quarters.

Malaysiakini learned that there are those in the leadership of DAP and Bersatu who have expressed their displeasure.

When contacted, Aziz, who is a DAP member, declined to comment on whether his remarks courted flak.

However, the former International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) lecturer said his views were not about politics, but principles.

“I think we have every right not to be seen as a bunch of fools and political opportunists.

“I was saying something about principles, namely about the fact that the buck stops with the sitting government (on Operasi Lalang and Anwar Ibrahim's sodomy case).

“It was not really about politics. And I think politics should be based on principles,” Aziz told Malaysiakini.

He said Pakatan Harapan must show a certain degree of commitment to the divergence of opinions relating to key issues that affect the nation.

Yesterday, the constitutional law expert said it is wrong for Mahathir (photo) to keep insisting that he acted on the advice of the police with regard to Operasi Lalang and Anwar's case. 

Operasi Lalang is the codename for the Internal Security Act dragnet in 1987, which saw scores of opposition politicians and activists detained without trial.

Aziz had said that from a moral standpoint, it would be better for Mahathir, who now leads the opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan, to admit that he had erred.

“We know Mahathir was playing politics but in the process, he has made a fool of himself,” he added.

Aziz also called on Harapan to establish a reconciliation committee to look into these episodes if the coalition forms the federal government.- Mkini