Suhaizan stays clear of controversy over court decision

JOHOR BY-ELECTIONS | BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamid's discharge from corruption charges has landed his ally Pakatan Harapan on trial in the court of public opinion, over the coalition's commitments to reforms and fighting graft.

In Pulai, Perikatan Nasional was quick to use the Kuala Lumpur High Court decision to grant Zahid a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) yesterday as part of the coalition's campaign against Harapan's Suhaizan Kaiat.

Suhaizan himself, however, said he believes the issue will not affect his chances to defend the seat, even after Taman Medan assemblyperson Dr Afif Bahardin's call last night for Chinese voters to reconsider their votes.

"This is a court verdict, right? So we leave it to the courts. I will not touch on that," said Suhaizan when met on the campaign trail at Taman Sri Cempaka food court, Perling, this morning.

"We leave the court case to the courts," the Johor Amanah vice-chief insisted when asked how he would respond to voters if faced with questions on Harapan's reform agenda.

In 24 hours since Zahid's verdict, Suhaizan, who earlier this morning inspected the early voting process, said no voters he met so far had asked him about the court decision.

"InsyaAllah, there will be no (related) questions," he added.

A campaign volunteer for Suhaizan, who introduced himself as Chong, noted how Zahid's verdict had become the topic of discussion among Chinese voters, particularly those who read the morning papers.

A campaign volunteer for Suhaizan, who introduced himself as Chong.

Chong also introduced himself to Malaysiakini as an "uncle" to the late incumbent Pulai MP Salahuddin Ayub.

"See this, but it's easier (for Suhaizan) to talk less about it," said Chong in reference to Zahid's image and story on the front page of a local Chinese daily.

"Even MCA and Umno these days, we don't know about their ties.

"Yes they are together, but it's like a once 'divorced' couple trying to reconcile, it can be difficult," said Chong.

Yesterday, Suhaizan's opponent from PN, Zulkifli Jaafar, said he will not launch personal attacks on Zahid but the Umno president's verdict is likely to boost his own chances in the parliamentary seat.

Within Harapan, so far DAP and Amanah central leadership have urged Attorney-General Idrus Harun to explain why prosecutors withdrew their case against Zahid.

The 47 charges are related to the alleged abuse of power, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering involving funds from Yayasan Akal Budi, a charity founded and led by Zahid. - Mkini