Monday, March 29, 2010

"Racist' Ahmad Ismail to return in wake of Bukit Bendera Umno division en block resignation


Datuk Ahmad Ismail, whose suspension for making racist comments was lifted last December, is almost certain to return as Bukit Bendera Umno chief as the division forced an EGM by the en block resignation of its exco.

Umno Bukit Bendera chief Adul Jalil Ariffin said that the joint decision was made last week and the state Umno will be informed shortly.

“We resigned in order to allow Datuk Ahmad to return to lead the division ... it is the wish of the division members,” he said.

Adul Jalil Ariffin, who was the deputy during the controversy, was elected soon after Ahmad’s membership and rights were suspended.

“I will myself go to the ground to ensure that Datuk Ahmad returns as division chief,” he said when contacted by The Malaysian Insider.

He noted that the state Umno will determine the date of the EGM.

The move was expected as the division had decided to accept Ahmad back when he had served out his suspension.

His return was expedited after his suspension was lifted as year into the sentence by Umno’s Supreme Council.

When contacted by The Malaysian Insider, he said he understood that the exco wants him to lead them.

To understand their motives, Ahmad suggested that the question be posed to Jalil.

At a ceramah on August 23, 2008 during the Permatang Pauh by-election Ahmad had referred to the Chinese community as “pendatang” or immigrants, who cannot claim equal rights.

The statements angered leaders of Gerakan and MCA who demanded an apology from Ahmad. He refused to do so.

courtesy of Malaysian Insider

No comments: