KUALA LUMPUR – After abruptly leaving politics for more than 10 years, former Selangor menteri besar Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo is eyeing a return in the coming general election while describing his half-a-year in prison as “life-changing”.
In an interview with the Sun daily, he expressed an interest in running for a Selangor seat and even made a list of issues he aims to address, including the longstanding water woes.
However, Khir, who was sentenced to a year in prison in September 2015 for buying properties below market value, did not disclose his choice of constituency or which party banner he would be contesting under.
“Politics will enable me to do something good for the nation, and if I want to do it, I must start now,” he was quoted as saying.
“I will contest on my own accord and with the support that I have.”
Khir also believes he has the experience to address the rakyat’s problems and is confident he will make a difference if voted in.
On serving time, he told the paper: “That was one of the best things that has happened to me.”
“I had time to think things through, plenty of time to reflect (on my actions).
“I have repented for my wrongdoings and I have served the sentence.”
Khir also said he made acquaintances with some of society’s worst delinquents in drug dealers and addicts, and rapists.
“Those who had been whipped would turn up at my cell to seek treatment for their wounds. Some even sought my advice,” the dentist-turned-politician added.
Khir first entered mainstream politics when he won the Sg Panjang state constituency in the 1999 general election aged 34, becoming Selangor menteri besar just a year later.
This followed the resignation of his predecessor Datuk Seri Abu Hassan Omar.
He defended the state and his seat in the 2004 elections but under his guidance, Selangor Barisan Nasional lost in 2008, following which he was appointed state opposition leader.
Khir resigned in December 2010 after being charged with corruption for purchasing a lavish mansion at below market value while he occupied the menteri besar’s office.
In September 2015, he was sentenced to a year in prison, but was granted parole six months later.
His “Datuk Seri” title was revoked by the Selangor Sultan on September 30, 2015. – The Vibes, February 24, 2021
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