(Petaling Jaya, Wednesday): The "Raja of Klang" Zakaria Md Deros avoided meeting up with the Sultan of Selangor and went on an escapade despite of 5 summonses from His Royal Highness.

He finally met the Sultan on Saturday and asked for a pardon. HRH has rightfully commented that he should apologize to the Rakyat.   But the man has chosen to respond with his own way- sending hired hands to guard his 17-roomed "palace" and to disrupt the public protest staged by the DAP Selangor, which was supported by some 500 strong villagers and members of the public. Two of our members were assaulted and injured by these hooligans who were hiding their faces with dark glasses. Practically everyone wearing dark glasses on the day was a gangster (or behaved like gangsters). We believed these hired hands (about 10 of them) were sent by the "Raja of Kelang". Money was seen changing hand on the spot! Besides physical abuse and threatening to throw bricks and stones, some of them even shouted racial remarks such as   "mahu 13 Mei kah?" (You want another May 13?"). So sad and sickening!

We have urged the OCPD of Klang to investigate the case immediately. And the DAP delegation led by Sec Gen Lim Guan Eng have met up with the CPO of Selangor to deliver our demand.

HRH Sultan of Selangor has wanted him to resign as an MPK Councilor but he has refused to do so.  And now the Umno Klang division has even passed a resolution on Monday night in supporting this "raja" to continue as a Municipality Councilor. To me, the Umno division and Zakaria have both committed insult to HRH and they should be charged for lese majeste!

In yesterday's press conference at his old home, Zakaria pulled his entire family into the picture to stage a show. He went on and on about his past "contributions" and "exemplary services" to the Rakyat before admitting his mistakes. We were not sure whether he has actually apologised for what he has done since he has purportedly downplayed his flaws and mistakes. He even cried a number of times after reading his 12-paged statements. Such showmanship was nothing but abhorable.

His refusal to resign as a Councilor was not acceptable. We urge HRH to strip off his datukship and all other titles to which he does not deserved. Such an arrogant recalcitrant even deserved a banishment order from HRH Sultan of Selangor.

We in the DAP have wanted Zakaria to resign as a state assemblyman because he has proven himself to be an irresponsible political leader.

In addition, Zakaria should be removed as the division chief. The fact that he continues to enjoy the support of his division speaks volumes about the mentality and quality of these Umno members. The Selangor Menteri Besar has earlier agreed that Zakaria must go. Would he change his mind now that the Klang division has openly defied his views? And how about the Umno President ? He too has wanted actions to be taken against Zakaria earlier. Would he be saying something else now?