Hanipa wouldn't have resigned over rally during his time in govt - Puad

Summary

• Mohd Puad Zarkashi dismisses Hanipa Maidin's demand for Mohamad Sabu to step down as minister if the anti-corruption rally on Jan 25 is blocked, calling it irrelevant and outdated.

• Hanipa, a former deputy minister and lawyer, yesterday argued that Mohamad should uphold history of advocating for peaceful assembly rights, citing his sacrifices in legally defending the Amanah chief in such cases.

• Puad challenges Hanipa to get rally organisers to hold the protest in formal venues like Padang Merbuk instead.

An Umno supreme council member has criticised former deputy law minister Mohamed Hanipa Maidin for urging Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu to resign if the government blocks the anti-corruption rally set for this Saturday.

Mohd Puad Zarkashi dismissed Hanipa’s call as outdated political manoeuvring.

“I am confident Hanipa would not have resigned if an anti-corruption rally had been held during his tenure as deputy law minister.

"His demand for Mat Sabu to resign as a minister is irrelevant. This is old-school politics when someone no longer holds office,” Puad (above) said on Facebook today.

Puad urges venue change

The Umno leader also challenged Hanipa to encourage organisers to hold the rally at Padang Merbuk, Kuala Lumpur, instead of in front of Sogo or Dataran Merdeka, claiming that no one would prevent the rally from being held in that field.

Puad said necessary permission from the Sogo management and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) would need to be obtained if the rally proceeds there.

‘No need to bring up old sacrifices’

Yesterday, Hanipa urged Mohamad, who is also Amanah chief, to resign if the government prevents the rally.

“I have spent a significant part of my life as a defence lawyer representing Mohamad, particularly in cases involving his right to peaceful assembly.

“At times, I was even arrested for defending his rights,” Hanipa told Malaysiakini.

Puad criticised Hanipa for bringing up his past sacrifices, stating that it was unnecessary to remind others of it.

“There’s no need to harp on how you went to court defending Mat Sabu for his participation in illegal demonstrations.

“The point is, you should continue to defend those who organise rallies in prohibited locations when they face charges later,” Puad added.

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