Ezam mum over report he will rejoin Umno
By The Star
Friday May 23, 2008
KUALA LUMPUR: Former Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Youth leader, Ezam Mohd Nor declined to confirm a report that he will rejoin Umno.
When contacted Ezam, who is overseas said: “Cannot confirm. No final decision yet.???
The report in The Star on Thursday quoted sources as saying that Ezam, who was also Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s former political secretary, was waiting for the green light from Umno’s top leadership.
He was also said to have met both the Umno president and deputy president for discussions relating to his move.
Meanwhile, PKR leaders have expressed surprise.
PKR president Datin Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said she found it strange that Ezam would rejoin an institution he had been so critical of.
“I find it strange – for all that he has done, even going to prison – it is difficult to comprehend,??? she said when met at the Parliament lobby.
“I was surprised (when I found out). I was thinking about all the good things he had done when times were bad for us. I want to thank him for that,??? she said.
Ezam, 40, was a rising star in Umno when he chose to follow Anwar out of Umno when the latter was sacked in 1998. Ezam had also been jailed under the ISA and OSA.
He resigned from PKR last year after an internal power struggle with PKR vice-president Azmin Ali and has since concentrated on anti-corruption non-governmental organisation Gerak aimed at promoting a corruption-free culture, free media and independent judiciary.
PKR information chief Tian Chua said Ezam rejoining Umno was not a blow to PKR as the latter was not holding any position in the party.
“I just regret he made such a personal choice. He made sacrifices, he made a very critical stand striving for change, and now that the change had been recognised and accepted by the people. It is off to go against the trend,??? he said.
Meanwhile, Umno information chief Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib welcomed Ezam back to the party.
Muhammad said Ezam had the opportunity to compare both parties and would have realised that PKR had many weaknesses.
“He might have lost faith and his intention to return to Umno was because he believes in the principles of our struggle,??? said Muhammad.
“As long as the move is voluntary, and he agrees with the party’s principle and abides by the rules and regulations, he is welcome back,??? said Muhammad Taib.