53. Law Minister quits
by SHAILA KOSHY, The Star
Speculation is rife that de facto law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim has resigned.
According to sources, the senator tendered his letter of resignation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s office just before 2pm on Monday.
Zaid could not be reached for confirmation.
The former Kota Baru MP was not fielded to stand in the March 8 general election.
Following the general election, however, Abdullah appointed him a Senator and a Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.
In announcing his new Cabinet on March 18, Abdullah said that Zaid would be responsible for legal matters and take on the role to reform the judiciary.
It was only last Tuesday that Zaid said he might soon become a full-blown Law Minister with the requisite authority and responsibility to help him effect legal reform.
“In fact, my own position will be reviewed to Minister of Law to give me more authority but that will take time. You can’t have responsibility without authority,” he had said then.
However on Sunday, Zaid broke from rank to say that the use of the Internal Security Act against civilians was wrong, adding that he was prepared to resign over the issue.
