Aziz (centre) said he has come to realise DAP’s efficiency and meritocracy, at a press conference with DAP leaders Lim Kit Siang (right) and Tony Pua (left)

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 30: Constitutional law expert, Dr Abdul Aziz Bari has officially joined DAP, making him one of the growing number of prominent Malays joining the party.

At a press conference today with DAP parliamentary Lim Kit Siang and DAP Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua, Aziz said he joined DAP for a greater platform for his talent, and he hoped to be able to help the Opposition speed up their bid for Putrajaya.
“I was looking for a greater space, a platform that will give me more freedom and a place where my capabilities would be fully utilised,” he said.

“I was not looking for parliamentary seats or any position within DAP; I just wanted to be able to facilitate the necessary changes,” said Abdul Aziz.

The law expert also stated that he had indirectly involved in DAP when DAP Secretary-General Lim Guan Eng listed him as fellow in Penang Institute previously.

He said the fact that DAP managed to secure so many seats during GE13 asserted his decision in choosing DAP because it showed its prowess and competence to remain ahead.

In June, Aziz had dismissed rumours of joining DAP. However, he said he has come to realise that the party is efficient, principled and based on merit.

Aziz in October 2014 fell prey to the wide-cast dragnet of the Sedition Act for his remarks on the Selangor Mentri Besar crisis.

He was investigated under Section 4(1)(a) of the Sedition Act 1948, after almost 100 reports were lodged against him for allegedly insulting the Sultan of Selangor in his published comments.

He had also previously contested in the GE13 under a PKR ticket for the Sabak Bernam seat.

Aziz joins the likes of national laureate A. Samad Said, better known as Pak Samad; the latter received his membership card in June.