"I TOLD PM not to give me any Cabinet post...I will let the court clear my name," said UMNO president Zahid Hamidi in Bagan Datuk on Sunday, much to the surprise of many but commended not only by friends but foes.
To me, that's a noble thing to do, unlike some former Cabinet leaders who just grabbed respective portfolios while they were under trial for corruption and power abuse, and some cases were even dropped because they were with the government.
However, not for Zahid. He is fit to join Muhyiddin Cabinet as the deputy prime minister (as he leads the biggest party in the coalition), no doubt about that but he chose to stay away for a while until the 'political persecution' by the former Pakatan Harapan government is over.
While many are of the perception that Zahid can still join the Cabinet since the court has yet to make a verdict, and that 'a man is innocent until proven guilty', he feels it would be better if he refrains from holding any portfolio for now.
If the current court proceeding can be shortened and he is acquitted, then PM can re-consider his position. But Zahid did not want his case to have anything to do with the government. Putrajaya should not interfere with the judiciary when his case is concerned, just let the law takes its due course.
Unlike some cases involving PH ministers 'solved' to enable them having a clean image with the government, Zahid is willing to face the axe - including by party members - should the court finds him guilty.
In my opinion, other UMNO Members of Parliament (MPs) should try to emulate him by declining any posts since the president has done so. But will they? I believe some of them will go for personal interest and glory.
The party's image is above all, says Zahid. With or without positions, serving the people is UMNO utmost task. Helping Muhyiddin to get rid of the former dictatorial and politburo regime was a major success for him. Liberating the country and the people from Dr Mahathir and Anwar is already showing good results.
I salute Zahid for this. Who else possess this degree of dignity?