Zaid probed for sedition, but says won't shut up
Former de facto law minister Zaid Ibrahim is the latest to be investigated for sedition, following his speech urging the people to rally behind former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
He made the speech at the Royal Selangor Club in September.
However, Zaid told reporters today that he would not be cowed into silence.
"If I cannot talk freely or think freely, I will have no oxygen. That is my oxygen," he said.
Mahathir is on a mission to oust Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, who is facing a corruption investigation.
Read Zaid's full speech below:
Zaid said he was surprised that the authorities had found the contents of his speech to be seditious.
"The crux of my speech was that leaders can be changed. Leaders can be toppled through democratic means.
"There are many ways to do it and it is common practice in any democracy," he said.
On whether he considered Najib to be an autocrat, Zaid quipped that his answer may land him a second sedition charge.
"I just think he's not a suitable leader. You cannot be charged for giving your opinion," he said.
Zaid, however, declined to reveal whether the police had zeroed in on any parts of his speech, saying the investigations were still ongoing.
"I was accompanied by my two lawyers. They (police) also granted permission for the question-and answer-session tomorrow to be recorded.
Asked whether he was afraid to go to jail, Zaid said: "Of course. But you have to do what you have to do. I'm sure even Najib is afraid of going to jail. If you ask him that question."
He said the investigation will resume at 10.30am tomorrow at ZI Publication's office.
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