Zakaria for Port Klang again?

Analysis by Terence Fernandez
malaysia-today

PETALING JAYA (Feb 18, 2008): There is a guessing game going on in Port Klang. The question on everyone's lips is whether controversial incumbent assemblyman Datuk Zakaria Md Deros will be fielded in the March 8 polls. The answer will be revealed on nomination day, Feb 24, but the speculation is on.

It is understood that Zakaria, 61, has submitted his name for nomination to the State Umno chief, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr. Mohamad Khir Toyo.

However, for "insurance", Zakaria, the Klang Umno chief has also submitted the names of his son Zainuri and daughter-in-law Roselinda Abdul Jamil (the wife of another son) – ensuring that the his legacy at least survives even if he is dropped.

Incidentally, Zainuri, 32, is the Klang Umno Youth chief, while Roselinda, 30, is the division's Puteri Umno head.

If one were to go back to October 2006, Zainuri and Roselinda were appointed councillors of the Klang Municipal Council (MPK) to replace Zakaria, who has been a councilor since 1983.

The two-term assemblyman had withdrawn his name from the list of councillors following the advice of the Sultan of Selangor, after theSun exposed his litany of misdeeds which included building the now infamous mansion without approval, running an unlicensed satay house owned by Zainuri, not paying assessment for 13 years and even serving as a senator while a bankrupt. more...