(Ezam Mohd. Nor (seated, left) applying to rejoin UMNO. On the rght is UMNO President, Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Thursday May 22, 2008
Ezam to rejoin Umno
Exclusive: By JOCELINE TAN
newsdesk@thestar.com.my
PETALING JAYA: Former PKR Youth leader Ezam Mohd Nor will be rejoining Umno after receiving the green light from the top Umno leadership.
He will also cease to head the anti-corruption NGO, Gerak, from June 1 in preparation for his return to Umno. Mohd Nazree Yunus has been named to take over as chairman of Gerak.
Sources said he has met both the Umno president as well as deputy president for discussions in connection with his move.
His return to Umno is expected to be announced soon and will be seen as a blow to PKR.
Ezam, 40, was a rising star in Umno when he chose to follow Datuk Seri Anwar Irahim out of Umno after the latter’s sacking in 1998.
He was then Anwar’s political secretary and had also gone to jail under the ISA and OSA.
He resigned from PKR last year after an internal power struggle with PKR vice-president Azmin Ali. At the time of his resignation, he criticised Anwar for his “dictatorial politics” and accused Azmin of being “a schemer who dominates Anwar.”
Ezam has since concentrated on Gerak which is aimed at promoting a corruption-free culture, free media and independent judiciary.
There is some speculation about his future role in Umno including the possibility of appointing him a Senator. But the source said that he was content to be an ordinary member for a start.
Sources said the timing for his rejoining Umno could not be better given the Government’s initiative to strengthen judicial independence and the anti-corruption legislation. (Excerpt from The Star Online, 22 May 2008.)
Comment:
Aftar much speculation after Ezam quit PKR the past few years, there were hints that he would return to the UMNO fold. That being said, it is a matter of time Ezam will anounce his return and soon after receiving a green light from the UMNO Supreme Council, which happened to convene last night. His return to the familiar political environment would spark beyond doubt greater interest among UMNO members at large consiering it would be a gift to UMNO especially during this troubled time. Anybody in the party predicts Ezam is more than welcome in the party and the likelihood of him being appointed as a Senator is high.His recent activities promoting an anti-corruption culture, free media and independent judiciary come at an opportuned time when the same kind of promotions are being pursued vigorously by the present Administration.
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