KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 30 — Suspended Shah Alam PAS chief, Khalid Samad today claimed victory by getting rival Datuk Dr Hasan Ali bound by a media gag. He also hinted he may not appeal against his own punishment, saying winning against Umno was the ultimate prize.
The outspoken Shah Alam MP wrote in his blog khalidsamad.com today that he had achieved “the minimum” of his goals and that his six month suspension as Shah Alam PAS division chief and member of the party political bureau was not an issue with him.
“The actions of Datuk Commissioner (Hasan) which I have openly opposed has been publicly declared as wrong, and he has been sternly warned against issuing any statements that contradict and adversely affect Selangor Pakatan Rakyat.
“He can no longer make it seem as if his actions have the blessings of the top leaders,” added Khalid, who had questioned the lack of disciplinary action against Hasan for issuing statements that went against Pakatan policies.
Hasan publicly criticised the Selangor government’s Select Committee on Competency, Accountability and Transparency (Selcat) and its questioning methods of civil servants over alleged misappropriation of state funds by former Barisan Nasional state representatives.
In a blog posting last September, Khalid disclosed five issues that he had tabled at an emergency meeting of the Selangor PAS liaison committee meeting. That offence, coupled with criticisms against Hasan, earned Khalid a six-month suspension.
Hasan was issued a stern warning for the public attacks against the Selangor government, which included attacks over the latter’s appointment of a non-Malay to head state development corporation PKNS.
Khalid said he accepted the decision because he had gone beyond what some would regard as proper in his criticisms of Hasan.
“I had long tried (to tackle the issues) internally, through letters to the party leadership, but nothing worked. The culture of obedience is so pervasive that it came close to blind obedience,” he said.
Khalid said he knew the risk of voicing out his opinion and the suspension would not deter him from taking a stand in future issue.
“I reap what I have sown,” said Khalid, adding he has yet to appeal against disciplinary committee’s decision. He has 30 days to file his appeal.
Addressing the question as to whether he would appeal, Khalid reiterated that he had yet to decide on the matter.
“Together, let us barge against Umno until they fall. That is the priority that we need to fulfil,” said Khalid.
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