Burning his images scorches Umno, claims ex-minister

Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim remains unfazed over the incendiary response to his remarks concerning Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.

According to him, the act of burning his images has seared Umno's reputation.

"I feel sorry that this is the party which claims to represent the Malays in the 21st century. I don't know what has become of Umno.

"The torching of my pictures is not a reflection of me or what I have done. It is a reflection of them. It is juvenile and violent. They should know that," the former Umno lawmaker told Malaysiakini.

He was responding to Sungai Besar Umno chief Jamal Mohd Yunos setting fire to cutboard cutouts of Zaid which bore the words “pengkhianat, kurang ajar, biadap" (traitor, rude, insolent).”

The incident took place in front of the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) in Kuala Lumpur where Umno is holding its 71st annual general assembly this evening.

Asked if he would apologise to the ruler, Zaid replied that he was merely following the Islamic tradition of offering sincere advice to leaders.

"The Caliph Umar once encouraged citizens to provide advice. He said 'If I stray from the right path, you have to tell me'," he added.

Unfazed by the torching of his images and criticisms levelled against him, Zaid said his detractors could continue to do so.

The former minister, who is now a DAP member, drew the ire of Umno leaders with his response to the sultan warning that Dr Mahathir Mohamad's anger could raze the nation.

After tweeting a Malaysiakini report on the sultan's remarks, he said: "Selangor Sultan should be careful with his words. No one is immune when the country burns."

"When some rulers play politics; they must know the consequences. Don't think there's no price for partisanship," he added.

This afternoon, Selangor Umno liaison committee chairperson Noh Omar said a rally would be organised outside the palace in Shah Alam on Sunday to declare support for the ruler in the wake of Zaid's remarks.

He also said that a police report would be lodged in order for Zaid to be probed under the Sedition Act.- Mkini