Zaid Ibrahim - Finally, a minister that walks the talk

Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim (image) says he will stick to his decision to resign from the Cabinet after failing to convince the government to reform the judicial system. His resignation comes as his protest of the recent use of the Internal Security Act (ISA) on three individuals. [Malaysiakini, 16/9/08]

On September 12, the government invoked the Internal Security Act to detain three individuals for "threatening national security." While Raja Petra Kamaruddin and Teresa Kok are still in detention, Sin Chew Daily reporter Tan Hoon Cheng has been released after 16 hours and is now safely back in Penang.

For more details, read Even clowns give better excuses than Syed Hamid.

Home Affairs Minister, Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar ordered was soon lambasted from both the public and within the Barisan Nasional ranks for the use of such draconian laws on civilians. He also claimed that such arrests under the ISA were necessary to maintain public order.

Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim was the front man in the protest against the ISA and had openly called for the immediate release of Raja and Teresa Kok.

"This country has many laws which can be used by the authorities to detain any individual. They do not have to use the ISA," Zaid Ibrahim told reporters. [Malaysiakini, 14/9/08]

Zaid Ibrahim also told reporters that the recent arrests under the ISA has hampered his efforts to reform the country's judiciary system for the past 6 months.

Another member of the Cabinet also voiced his disgust over the abuse of the ISA. Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr. S. Subramaniam questioned the government's use of the ISA,

"We have adequate laws to supress any irresponsible acts that jeopardise national security. Why don't we use those laws?" [Malaysiakini, 14/9/08]

MCA President Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting also shared his two cents worth on the matter:

"If a matter is said to be threat to national security, we must first have evidences to prove it. Those who were detained under the ISA should be charged in a civil court under existing laws which are enough bring about justice. This is beacause the ISA itself has the potential to undermine the rule of law and the deny the basic constitutional freedom of individuals," Ong explained to the public. [Malaysiakini, 14/9/08]

Zaid Ibrahim showed that he meant business when he threatened to resign from his position as Law Minister unless the government reviews the Internal Security Act and releases the remaining two detainees. Unfortunately, his cry for justice went unheeded by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi and as a result Zaid Ibrahim decided to step down as Law Minister without any hesitation.

Badawi rejected Zaid Ibrahim's resignation and in return requested the latter to take a 2-week long leave from his job to take some time to "reflect". However, the Prime Minister did not succeed in convincing Zaid Ibrahim to regress on his decision to quit the Cabinet. He held a press conference on September 16 to explain the situation:

"I am not tired (referring to the suggestion from the Badawi for a 2-week break). I am just disappointed. Therefore, my decision stays and I will resign from my position as Law Minister." [Malaysiakini, 16/9/08]

Malaysians have yet to see if the other members of the Cabinet who protested against the use of the ISA would follow Zaid Ibrahim's footsteps by standing up for what is just and fair. Either way, Zaid Ibrahim did the right thing to disassociate himself from the corrupt acts of the government. He was also applauded by the Malaysian Bar Council and the Opposition for having the courage to make a stand against injustice and tyranny.

Therefore, it's now time for the other politicians to rise up and practise what they preach!