Port Klang state assemblyperson Zakaria Md Deros can continue serving until the court makes its decision on the Companies' Act charges the assemblyperson is facing.

The Star online quoted Selangor MB Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo as saying that Zakaria can "continue with his duties as a state assemblyman" pending the outcome of the legal proceeding.

"This is the problem with Malaysians. They love to jump to conclusions. It is not right," Khir was quoted as saying.

Zakaria is facing 39 charges under the Companies' Act with five other directors. Zakaria has also been charged with several offences as a director of Titi Steel Sdn Bhd.

He will be charged with not holding the annual general meeting from 2002 to 2005, failure to submit financial statements during the same period, and failure to submit profit and loss accounts from 2001 to 2004.

Zakaria and the other directors were served with the summons on Wednesday.

Heavily criticised

The Selangor state legislator was attacked late last year for constructing a four-storey mansion, subsequently dubbed 'Istana Zakaria', without the Klang Municipal Council's approval.

Zakaria, also Klang Umno division chief, quickly became the target of harsh media and public criticism, especially after revelations that his daughter and son-in-law had been appointed Klang municipal councillors.

Despite advice from the Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah to resign, Zakaria stayed on.

Anti-Corruption Agency investigations into allegations involving Zakaria were closed in early May due to lack of evidence. However, Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) has called on the ACA to make public the details of the probe.