Resigning Amid Serious Charges: A Naive and Impractical Approach
Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim has urged Bung Moktar Radin to resist calls to step down as Sabah Umno chief over his corruption case. Zaid believes that resigning amid serious charges before being proven guilty is both naive and impractical in the current political landscape.
The Power Play
In today’s world, everything is about power, Zaid emphasized. He cited the example of former US President Donald Trump, who was found guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up payments to a porn star. If Trump had resigned, Zaid said, Democrats would have won. "Make sure you win in Sabah, Bung. Make some deals; that’s what is needed," he advised.
The Sabah Context
Bung Moktar Radin has been urged to step down following the Court of Appeal’s order for him and his wife to enter their defence on charges of corruption and abetment over a RM150 million Felcra investment. However, Zaid believes that resigning would not win Bung any extra votes. "So Bung Moktar, you stay on as Umno chief," he said.
Ethical Leadership
Acknowledging the importance of ethical leadership, Zaid nevertheless said that this did not seem to "count for much in this country." He pointed out inconsistencies in the political landscape, including the ambiguity surrounding the prime minister’s legitimacy after an election and the failure to enforce anti-hopping laws.
The Current Political Landscape
Zaid believes that laws are often weaponised against political opponents in the current political landscape. In such a scenario, resigning amid serious charges is not a practical approach. "Imagine if Trump had resigned when he was charged with felonies in New York. Democrats would have won," he said.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Zaid’s advice to Bung Moktar Radin is to resist calls to step down and instead focus on winning in Sabah. While ethical leadership is important, Zaid believes that it is not a priority in the current political landscape. Instead, political leaders must focus on power and making deals to achieve their goals.
FAQs
Q: Why did Zaid Ibrahim urge Bung Moktar Radin to resist calls to step down?
A: Zaid believes that resigning amid serious charges before being proven guilty is both naive and impractical in the current political landscape.
Q: What is the significance of the example of Donald Trump?
A: The example highlights the importance of power in politics and the potential consequences of resigning amid serious charges.
Q: What are the inconsistencies in the political landscape that Zaid pointed out?
A: Zaid pointed out the ambiguity surrounding the prime minister’s legitimacy after an election and the failure to enforce anti-hopping laws.