“Try to approach other ministers or menteri besars,” he tells them in a recent blog posting.
Shahbudin notes that Zahid has not withdrawn a statement he made two days ago, in which he deplored the mixing of politics with business. “He has so far not denied the statement that politicians should not be involved in business. He has not said that it was just a joke, or [that it was] distorted by the media or taken out of context. This means that Zahid stands by his statement.”
He speculates that Zahid, since becoming Deputy Prime Minister, has been swamped by people seeking “this and that” from him and wants no more of this. “If that’s the case, Umno leaders and members should not be too disappointed. If that’s his stand, accept it as fate, the will of God.”
Although it’s well known that many Umno leaders and members are involved in business, whether as genuine businessmen, commission takers or sleeping partners, the new reality, Shahbudin says, is that they can henceforth see Zahid only on political matters.
“No politician is allowed to see him on business matters. He will not entertain envelopes carrying letters seeking his endorsement and approval for government contracts and tenders.”
The caveat, he adds, is that only genuine business people are allowed to see him and will be entertained if they are seeking his help on government contracts and tenders.
In any case, he says, it’s apparent that many are not happy with Zahid’s statement because he used to be just like them, being involved in business and politics at the same time. “So, naturally, they are confused by Zahid’s statement.”
Shahbudin points out that Umno members are not the only politicians in the country who are involved in business. “That’s the reality, it seems, that all of us have to accept,” he says. “It seems that the nexus between politics, business and power cannot be separated like in other countries.”
For those politicians who don’t have any positions in government, he points out, it seems that only their involvement in business that comes from the government can guarantee them a comfortable life. “Besides helping their families in this way, the argument is that securing business from the government is the only way for them to help the people.”