Perak DAP vice-chairman Dr Abdul Aziz Bari has found himself at the centre of a massive controversy, when he was accused of instigating a move to topple Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu. He has since been engaged in a furious war of words with state opposition leader Datuk Saarani Mohamad.
NSTP caught up with the Tebing Tinggi assemblyman to find out the latest developments over the controversy.
Q: You were accused by state opposition chief Datuk Saarani Mohamad as the exco behind a move to topple the Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu. Among the claims were that you would be tabling a motion of no-confidence in the state assembly. What are your views?
A: Perak is never truly free of gossip related to toppling the state government, seeing that it is the only state which switched administrations as seen in 2009. However, these claims are absolutely baseless. It would be illogical for me as an exco member to act in that manner.
A motion of no-confidence is no easy feat. It needs the agreement of more than 30 assemblymen. Do I truly wield that much influence, is that logical? If that was the case, then there would be no need for me to be the MB given that I would have that much power. So why is it that until the assembly ended, no one, including me, moved this motion? The people can judge as to what is real or not.
Q: Saarani claimed that five Umno assemblymen would be making statutory declarations (SD). These five allegedly met you, and two of them were offered exco roles or positions in government-linked companies. All of them, including Saarani and you, have been summoned by the MACC. What can you say regarding this SD?
A: I leave this to the MACC and the relevant authorities to investigate. I have and will continue to give my full cooperation. For your information, as the state education exco, I meet not only state government assemblymen but also the opposition. Many of their constituencies need state aid especially on education. So if they don’t like me meeting opposition assemblymen, I can stop doing so. But have a heart for the innocent people in the respective constituencies. They are still Perakians and deserve help from the state.
Q: The five SDs allegedly shared a common trait, which was to claim that the MB was not performing. It also revolved around claims that you had the support of 18 DAP representatives, and four each from Amanah and PKR, leaving four more needed to get 30 votes to become MB. It was also claimed that you would be presenting this to the Sultan of Perak with the support of influential people from Putrajaya.
A: (Laughs) Seeing that the story on the no-confidence vote didn’t work, it seems that a new one is going around involving the Sultan. With support from influential people in Putrajaya? What can I do if the opposition grumble about the Perak MB to me? That’s their job, not mine.
I don’t know why Umno is so worried about me for. I’m not a member of parliament, not a trustee in any GLC or hold any key positions at national level. How can I possibly have major influence at national level or in Putrajaya?
On the support by DAP, PKR and Amanah. I think each Pakatan Harapan party has voiced their undivided support for the Perak MB many times. I think this is clear and I don’t need to comment further.
Q: What do you think is the main reason why the opposition is claiming that you’re trying to topple the MB?
A: I saw this coming but I didn’t think I’d be the victim of circumstances here. This is meant to distract the public’s attention from Barisan Nasional’s various scandals, such as the Public Accounts Committee, Menteri Besar Inc, Movie Animation Park Studios and others. But the unearthing of these scandals are nowhere near as sensational as 1MDB, as the moves being made in the state appear to be more calculated.
I’m aware that this ‘game’ had been arranged even before the 14th general election, when they predicted BN’s fall. Ask Datuk Saarani, as (former MB) Datuk Seri Dr Zambry (Abd Kadir) on the game changer they arranged. They had insurance in the event that their deeds could no longer be covered up. So this is why these stories are coming up, to distract the public.
Q: Even before Saraani spoke about the five Umno assemblymen, there were rumours that several excos and some parties in PH were displeased with the MB’s leadership. How true are they?
A: PH is based on democracy. We’re not like BN, which needed to be ‘yes men’ in order to remain as excos or reps. In PH, we exchange views, hence differences of opinions are normal. It’s not criticism.
Read the papers. Have I or any exco criticised the MB? In my case, I only gave statements pertaining to constitutional law, which I am familiar with. I’m not talking about something beyond my expertise.
Q: If Saarani’s claims truly are defamatory, will you be taking legal action?
A: Many quarters have already taken legal action. Investigations are also ongoing, so I leave it to the authorities.
Q: Do you plan to make an SD to clarify your denial?
A: I don’t see it as a necessity. This is an Umno game. Let them play their game. There’s no need for me to dance to their tune,
Q: Ever since these claims emerged, have you met with the MB to clarify your stand?
A: I’ve met with the MB but haven’t had the opportunity to have a serious discussion on the matter. Inshaallah, I will do it. I’d like to stress that I enjoy a good relationship with him. We have no problems.
Q: When your name came up as a candidate in Perak for GE14, there was speculation that DAP planned to make their Malay candidate an MB candidate.
A: I believe the people are wise enough to gauge these issues. The issue of DAP and race will continue to be harped on by Umno to supposedly gain Malay support, but I believe that the people are now more mature and won’t entertain such issues.
There’s nothing unusual if my name were to come up as an MB candidate if PH won in Perak. Wasn’t Lim Kit Siang among those mentioned as the possible prime minister if PH won Putrajaya? Do we see Lim gunning for any Cabinet position?
I’d like the people to evaluate DAP’s leadership. Lim Guan Eng once put his political career on the line to defend an underage Malay girl when he was Kota Melaka MP. This is how DAP transcends race and religion. When he helmed Penang, the welfare of Islam wasn’t neglected. So what’s wrong if a DAP representative becomes a leader? What I know is that the people are sick of leaders from a party which is purportedly Malay but cheats and lies to the people, as proven in the last election.
Q: This issue over alleged attempts to topple the MB must have strained relations among PH members in Perak, especially the excos. What is being done to improve the situation?
A: Any problem can be resolved at the discussion table. This is why I feel we need to have more PH meetings in Perak. Any negotiations with the opposition like Umno must be snuffed out. The people chose PH, so our responsibility to them is more important than any strategy to shore up our respective parties.
Q: Do you feel that this controversy will affect your standing as an exco in the future?
A: I can’t say. But what I know is that my presence in the exco hasn’t gone down well with Umno. They’re willing to do anything to ensure I’m not in the leadership lineup.
I don’t mean to blow my own horn, but ask any headmaster or principal in the state if any of them haven’t already met me personally. I’ve gone to each and every school district, attended numerous events and listened to their problems. Although I haven’t resolved all the problems, I will do as much as I can as the exco even with various obstacles.
Also, my way of freely criticising the previous government hasn’t made me an Umno favourite, as well as that of any party associated with them.
Q: You’ve already given your statement to MACC. Have you been summoned to the PH presidential council to give an explanation?
A: Not yet. I would welcome such a move so that my version could be heard, not just for my own good but also for their benefit.