Should Port Klang assemblyperson Zakaria Mat Deros quit his post as Klang municipal councillor as requested by Selangor Menteri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo?

There is no need for that at all, said Sungai Pinang assemblyperson Teng Chang Khim.

This was because Zakaria's tenure as councillor ended in September.

While Zakaria may have been given a reappointment letter lately, he along with new and former councillors, has not been sworn in for the new session, said Teng.

"Legally speaking, Zakaria is no longer a councillor and therefore there is nothing for him to quit," said Teng, a practising lawyer, in a statement today.

The swearing-in session was postponed two weeks ago, following controversies surrounding an illegal 17-room mansion built by Zakaria, and the fact that two of his relatives are also appointed to sit on the council.

Following this, the Sultan of Selangor advised Zakaria to quit his councillor post, while Selangor Menteri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo issued a Nov 8 deadline for the embattled assemblyperson to do so.

Teng said the deadline was a non-issue, as Khir can revoke appointment letter to Zakaria at any time.

Khir on the run?

In contrast, Teng believed that Khir was employing face-saving measures due to public outcry over the Klang Municipal Council's inaction over two properties owned by Zakaria, which were deemed illegal.

Along with the mansion, DZ Satay House which belong to Zakaria has been sealed by the council last Thursday.

According to news reports today, the premise was found to be without a proper building plan, business license and operating on state land without a temporary occupation license.

"The whole Zakaria controversy has not only exposed Zakaria's arrogance and abuse of powers in the local authority but also, more significantly, the ignorance and incapability of Khir Toyo as the head of the state government," added Teng.