I admire Shahrir Abdul Samad, an UMNO representative from Johor Bahru. He is true to himself unlike so many others:
Shahrir Resigns From BN Backbenchers Club Chairman Post
KUALA LUMPUR, May 4 (Bernama) — Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad Thursday resigned as the Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club chairman as many BN members of parliament did not support the motion without notice to refer a news report in the New Straits Times to the parliamentary rights and privileges committee Thursday.
It all first started with a news report by the New Straits Times:
Nudge, nudge. Wink, wink…
Customs ignored MP’s request
Hamidah Atan and Farrah Naz KarimPUTRAJAYA: A Member of Parliament allegedly asked the Customs and Excise Department to “close one eye” in a case involving the import of sawn timber.
It is learnt that the department has submitted a detailed report on the MP’s alleged interference into the seizure of sawn timber brought in from Indonesia at Sungai Linggi recently.
The MP is said to have gone to the Malacca Customs Office on April 14 to “settle” the matter. He had allegedly requested that the department “close one eye” in handling the case.
The MP according to Malaysiakini is from Jasin, Malacca.
It’s disturbing to see the one that should resign stays while the one that should stay resigns. Even worse, the majority is not only uninterested in pursuing justice, but they are shielding the MP in question from possible inquiry. Though short of legalizating corruption, if this continues without check, kleptocracy will not be impossible. This is one of the reasons why Malaysia needs a stronger opposition in the Parliament.
All is not lost though. The Malacca Customs did their work and therefore, deserve praises for what they have done. Or haven’t done.
3 replies on “[783] Of a man of principle”
That’s an unfair statement. Just because he’s with UMNO doesn’t mean the good that he does doesn’t matter.
But end of the day, still an UMNO man out & out. Too old to stand up for principles.
Yeah, it is indeed sad that Shahrir is resigning instead of the MP for Jasin.
Although I’m no fan of BN, Shahrir, I’ve always liked Datuk Shahrir, my former JB MP. He’s definately no UMNO yes-man, and instead is quite a rebel. Did you know that he was kicked out of politics for a period of 14 years due to some friction between him and his UMNO branch in JB? 1990-2004, to be exact. He was a dobby shop owner during that time :)
What an interesting character, huh?