SHAH ALAM: PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali has been called illogical for putting the blame on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Umno for the Nothing To Hide 2.0 forum ruckus on Sunday.
Selangor Umno liaison committee chief Tan Sri Noh Omar said it was clear that the ruckus had erupted due to the Opposition’s own fault as the forum was organised in their home turf and the lax of security had led to the incident.
"Why was it so easy for Azmin to point his fingers at the Prime Minister and Umno? Is that the attitude of a leader? Clearly not. But it is not surprising because even if it’s their fault, they would not admit it. Azmin has to think logically instead of faulting others.
"But then again, ruckus and commotions are synonymous with PKR as when they were formed. It was the Reformasi period where they marched the streets and created chaos. At that time, they protested against former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
"On Sunday, PKR supporters came face to face with Dr Mahathir and maybe the ruckus happened because they are still angry and dissatisfied with what had happened back then. It could be the case of them not getting over the grudge yet," said Noh.
Noh added although the Selangor Umno members were unhappy with Azmin's claims, there was no need for the members to initiate legal action or demand for the statement to be retracted.
"If we do that, then it will be countered with the non-existence of freedom of speech. So we will let it be and let the people judge for themselves," added Noh.
Noh, who is also Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister, said this when met after he handed over RM3 million worth of ex-gratia to 22 farmers from Johan Setia in Klang on behalf of Prasarana Malaysia Bhd at the MRCB building here.
Noh said the ex-gratia was paid out to the farmers who had to vacate their rented lands, spanning 90 hectares, to make way for the LRT3 Bandar Utama-Klang project.
"These farmers had sought our assistance after failing to get help from their Pakatan Harapan leaders. We managed to resolve this matter within a short amount of time when these farmers had been crying out for help for the past one year. I was told the Pakatan Harapan leaders had promised to help but nothing came out of it.
"This is the difference between the Federal and Selangor state government. We do not wash our hands off when dealing with issues affecting the people. We jump into action and that is why Selangor must return to Barisan Nasional so that their interest can be given much greater attention," said Noh.
On a separate matter, Noh said the Hulu Selangor Umno division was free to suggest that the parliamentary constituency seat, currently held by MIC, must be returned to Umno.
The suggestion was made by the division chief Datuk Mat Nadzari Ahmad Dahlan during a recent Umno delegates meeting.
Nadzari had said that an Umno candidate would stand a better chance at winning the seat, now held by MIC's Datuk P. Kamalanathan, in the next general election as it is a Malay majority constituency.
"Anyone can say anything, what more Nadzari in his capacity as the division chief. We are open to hearing them out. But ultimately, Umno's top leadership will be deciding on important matters like this," said Noh.