With tears flowing freely and flanked by his sons and staunch supporters, embattled Port Klang assemblyperson Zakaria Md Deros today gave a detailed explanation on the reasons which led to the building of his mansion without proper approval from the Klang Municipal Council of which he is also a councillor.

He said among the reasons for building his 17-room bungalow, dubbed as 'Istana Zakaria', was his large family comprising 11 children and another 11 grandchildren.

He also said that he built the mansion in Kampung Idaman in Pandamaram, Klang, as he wanted to be close to his supporters. Zakaria is also the Klang Umno division chief.

"We have lived in Kampung Idaman for 30 years, living in a two-roomed low-cost house.

"As my family grew, I had to buy my neighbours' house too, so that we could all live together," he said at a packed press conference today at his current residence in Klang.

The press conference is held at Zakaria's current home, which is a stone throw away from his yet-to-be-completed bungalow.

It was the first time Zakaria spoke to the media since the controversy broke out over his illegally-constructed mansion.

He took about 20 minutes to read his prepared 12-page statement. But as he got to the third page, tears began to flow. He began to cry uncontrollably as he came to the end of his speech.

At one point, he removed his spectacles to wipe his tears. [see video]

Zakaria, however, refused to take questions from the media and did not say anything about the Nov 8 deadline given by Selangor Menteri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo for him to quit his councillor's post following the fall out from the controversy.

Beginning a long narration of the events that had led to his mansion being constructed illegally, Zakaria started off by saying that he had done much for the Kampung Idaman villagers including building a mosque to replace a ramshackle surau, putting up a multi-purpose hall and constructing a religious school.

He said that after spending 30 years in the village and doing so much for the villagers, he just could not move away from the place.

"Furthermore, it will be easier for my constituents to meet me here just as they have done in my 40 years as a politician. My wife then suggested we look for a piece of vacant land in this village to build our house for the whole family," he said.

New plans submitted

Zakaria said that he never expected his noble intention to turn into such a big controversy.

Reading from his statement, he said the fault for not obeying building regulations lay with his architects, adding that he has since appointed a new architect who has submitted a new set of building plans to the Klang Municipal Council for approval.

"I expect them (the firm) to submit further applications to the council for approval this week," he said.

He also said that he had stopped all construction work at his new house pending the fresh approval.

Zakaria then proceeded to thank everyone, especially the media, for pointing out his mistake as far as not obtaining building approval was concerned. He said he has even sought the assistance of housing experts to guide him in adhering to the proper procedures.

"I hope my duty as a state representative and councillor is not misconstrued by all. I have my weaknesses, too, and have no intention of abusing my position."

PM's advice

He also apologised to all concerned for taking a long time in providing his side of the story. He added that he was away performing his umrah (minor haj) when the controversy first broke.

"However, I have met the Sultan of Selangor and listened to him for more than an hour on Oct 28.

"I have explained the situation to him and he asked me to be careful in the future."

Bernama , however, had reported on Oct 28 that Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah had advised Zakaria to resign as councillor to put an end to the controversy. Zakaria did not comment on this.

He also refused to say whether he would step down as councillor or his post as the state assembly representative.

The politician also said that he met Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Sunday just before the premier left for China to attend the China-Asean meeting.

"The prime minister told me to be patient and find a solution to this problem, especially in countering the negative press."

Zakaria also had a word of warning for the opposition. He told them not to politicise the matter to their advantage.

During his press conference, Zakaria, however, made no reference to his DZ Satay House restaurant which was sealed by the council last Thursday for lacking a proper building plan, a business licence and for operating on state land without a temporary occupation licence.

Neither did he speak about the appointment of his son and daughter-in-law as a Klang municipal councillors.

2-minute video of Zakaria's

tearful press conference