Speaking at a press conference in Kuala Kubu Baru, Nik Aziz said the protracted attempts to paint Zaid as an alcoholic and gambler was bodoh (stupid).
“That is the work of stupid people... Umno has no issues left... He represents the party. If you (Umno) are capable, then fight the party (PKR), don't use personal attacks,” he said. Nik Aziz, a revered Islamic scholar, is Pakatan's last ditch effort to 'cleanse' Zaid's image who has taken a heavy beating from the allegations.
Zaid has admitted dabbling with alcohol in his youths and that he once owned race horses but claims those days were behind him.
But this has not stopped Umno top guns from making innuendoes on Zaid's alleged vices to the mostly rural and conservative Malays, who make up the majority of Hulu Selangor's electorate.
Nik Aziz was brought to Kuala Kubu Baru to provide reinforcement for Zaid and PKR, immediately after arriving from Mecca where he performed the umrah.
Nik Aziz offers encouragement
Though looking weary from his long travels, Nik Aziz pulled no punches on Umno and likened the party to children for resorting to personal attacks.
"They are like small kids. If they can sneak a punch, they will punch. If not, they will jebeh (stick their tongues out) and then spit. Its just to let off steam," said Nik Aziz, who at one point stuck his own tongue out, prompting the room packed with reporters to burst out laughing.
"Umno cannot be articulate on issues, so they resort to personal attacks. This is very embarassing for Malaysia," he added.
Also present at the press conference was Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, Zaid, DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang and PKR vice-president Azmin Ali.
Zaid told reporters that he was very humbled by the presence of a Nik Aziz, who is a revered Islamic scholar and also Kelantan menteri besar.
He said that he has received a telephone call from Nik Aziz twice recently, while he was in Mecca, who urged him to stay strong and weather the personal attacks.
Nik Aziz is scheduled to join PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim in the campaign tomorrow, which is the eve of polling day.
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