Sacked from Air Force, Mej Zaidi turns to politics

KUALA LUMPUR: Sacked from the Air Force over statements he made on the indelible ink, Mej Zaidi Ahmad is now turning his sights on becoming a politician.

"I prefer to be an independent right now and my main focus is to contribute to society.

"I am willing to be a candidate in the near future," he said in his speech at a Bersih 2.0 forum on Thursday.

Mej Zaidi, 47, said he was glad that many people gave their support to him and his family following his sacking by a court martial on Monday for making a media statement on the ineffectiveness of the indelible ink in the 2013 general election and releasing information about his transfer letter.

He was ordered to enter his defence on the charges, but opted to remain silent.

"Many people have called and texted their support and I'm very grateful for that," he said.

He said he was happy to note that security personnel can now lodge police reports of any election irregularity.

He added, in jest: "Next time, though, don't tell to the media if you make a police report. Media also do not ask. Get the report yourselves and do a story."

Constitutional law expert Dr Abdul Aziz Bari lauded Mej Zaidi for being strong and brave in going through the case.

"Inspiring and difficult to find someone who is so committed to the truth," he said.

Bersih chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah said: "It is very sad that we lost a great army man. He went through great stress during trial but he stood his ground. We need more Malaysians like him."