Due process must be afforded to outspoken PKR MP Zulkifli Noordin before any disciplinary action is taken against him, explained two PKR political bureau members.

anwar qazaf case at syariah court 070110 zulkifli nordin Responding to criticisms by Pakatan Rakyat coordinator Zaid Ibrahim that PKR was afraid to discipline Zulkifli, political bureau member William Leong said such a decision must be preceded by a proper disciplinary hearing.

Leong said Zulkifli has been served a letter informing him of the complaints against him and he will have an opportunity to defend himself, according to provisions stipulated in the party constitution.

Citing a murder case as an example, Leong, a practising lawyer, said even a suspected murderer is entitled to a fair trial.

"You may have seen him commit the murder but the due process of law must still be followed. He is entitled to have the charges read against him and to be heard," said Leong.

Zulkifli, who is the Kulim Bandar Baru MP, has often been criticised by his party colleagues for going against the party line and making inflammatory statements, particularly about religion.

Lately, he was criticised for lodging a police report against opposition colleague and Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad, over the latter’s comments about religious law reforms. 

Discussed at length

Following this, PKR political bureau placed a gag order on Zulkifli pending a disciplinary hearing which will convene within 30 days.

The party’s approach was strongly condemned by Zaid in a blog posting, claiming that the party was “too scared” to reign in on Zulkifli due to fears of reproach by the Malay Muslim community.

Echoing Leong, another political bureau member Johari Abdul told Malaysiakini the party leadership’s decision on Zulkifli was constitutionally sound.

"We have discussed at length about the issues surrounding Zulkifli in the meeting and the decision was to allow the disciplinary board to a issue a show-cause letter to him.

"So once he receives the letter by the disciplinary board, he can (give his explanation). What is the problem? It is quite clear here," said the Sungai Petani MP.