KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and PKR vice president Tian Chua today locked horns over Nurul Izzah Anwar's controversial meeting with the self-proclaimed ‘Sulu princess' Jacel Kiram.
Zahid had fired the first salvo today, naming Tian Chua, who is PKR vice-president, as the alleged organiser of the Opposition’s meetings with members of the so-called Sulu sultanate.
Speaking to reporters after attending the China-Malaysia High Level Economic Forum attended by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, Zahid said he believed there was a hidden agenda behind the Opposition’s meetings with the Sulu group.
"I believe there is a hidden agenda behind this by the person involved. This person, who had even asked the government and myself what crime had they committed," said Zahid.
“This person, Tian Chua, who had stated that there was no crime committed, had quietly arranged the meetings between PKR leaders and whom they referred to as the 'Sulu Sultanate', which supposedly wants to 'reclaim' Sabah as its territory."
"I hope Tian Chua is more careful of his own conduct and in planning his programmes for his party leaders."
Zahid also slammed the meeting between Nurul Izzah and the daughter of the late Jamalul Kiram III, saying that it was “insensitive.”
Jamalul had masterminded the Sulu intrusion into Lahad Datu almost three years ago. The act led to the death of a number of Malaysia security personnel, who were involved in battles with the intruders.
Last week, photos began circulating, showing Nurul Izzah posing with Jacel, bearing placards with the message ‘Bebaskan Anwar.’ The meeting allegedly took place in Manila.
After receiving heavy criticism on the issue, Nurul Izzah had issued a statement, saying that she “regretted” the incident.
Zahid, however, said any political leader should have exercised a degree of sensitivity over the issue.
"Any political leader, be it from the government or from the opposition, should be sensitive towards this issue. It is like providing support and recognition for those deeds (the intrusion).
"Even if words of forgiveness have been uttered, what about the feelings of the families who are left behind? How do the people of Sabah, whose land had been invaded, feel?”
Police, he said, will be taking down statements from Nurul Izzah on the issue.
Zahid said it was not an issue of whether it was a crime, but a question of dignity and the nation’s sovereignty.
"I have stated that we can celebrate our differences, our differences in opinion, but on the issue of the nation's sovereignty and dignity, there should be no compromise," he said.
Meanwhile, Tian Chua, when contacted, dismissed Zahid's claim that he was the mastermind who planned the meeting.
"He cannot make wild, baseless accusations as Home Minister. He had better withdraw his accusations," said the Batu member of parliament.
"It does not present a good image when he makes unfounded statements just for political expediency. Stop calling fellow-parliamentarians traitors.
“The minister is not showing political maturity in accepting differences and healthy debate."