Zahid has forgiven but not forgotten

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says he has forgiven the 10 Barisan Nasional MPs who signed statutory declarations (SDs) in support of Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to become prime minister post-GE15.

However, the Barisan chairman and Umno president said he would continue to monitor the actions of the 10.

He said he does not believe the MPs acted in that way “out of spite”.

“I have said it loud and clear ... I have already forgiven (them) although it is difficult for me to forget. That is the reality.

“On how they can show their repentance, let the Umno delegates analyse and judge their attitude. It is very unfair for me to decide (what they should do to repent),” Ahmad Zahid said in an interview on the sidelines of the ongoing Umno general assembly.


At a press conference later, Ahmad Zahid reasoned that the 10 MPs signed the SDs at a time when there was no bloc that could claim a majority to form the Federal Government.

“Of course, at that time, efforts were made to ensure the 10 MPs revoked their SDs,” he added.

Ahmad Zahid, who is the Deputy Prime Minister, reiterated that he considered the matter to be in the past.

“However, together with the Umno disciplinary council, I will continue to monitor them on their stand should they make any kind of ‘move’, although I am convinced that they are currently with Barisan in supporting the unity government.

“Their mistake happened at a time of uncertainty. I do not believe that they signed the SDs for Muhyiddin in a vindictive spirit.

“The revelation I made in a closed-door briefing was my way of sharing information, as the Umno delegates too need to know what happened when we formed the unity government. We must move forward now and make this mistake a lesson to learn from.

“All moves to be made by Umno and Barisan have to be en bloc,” he added.

On Nov 20, 10 Barisan MPs were said to have signed SDs in support of Muhyiddin to be the 10th Prime Minister following an inconclusive general election. Three days later, the 10 rescinded their support.

Umno then supported en bloc the formation of the unity government with Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as Prime Minister.