PETALING JAYA (Nov 2, 2006): Datuk Zakaria Mat Deros, the beleaguered Port Klang assemblyman and Klang Municipal Councillor who has been in the news over the illegal construction of his palatial mansion and other breaches of the law, is courting new controversy - he remained a senator while being an undischarged bankrupt.

According to Dewan Negara records, Zakaria, who was then known as Zainal Mohd Deros, was appointed a senator on July 30, 1991, and served two terms which ended on July 31, 1997. In the 1999 general election, he stood as a candidate for the Selat Klang state seat which he won.

He was one of the two senators nominated by the Selangor state government.

On Sept 10, 1992, he was declared a bankrupt by the High Court in Kuala Lumpur following a petition filed by Maxon Credit & Leasing Sdn Bhd. Under Article 48(1)(b) of the Federal Constitution, a person is disqualified from being a senator if he is an undischarged bankrupt.

Although he was discharged as a bankrupt two months later on Nov 24 - after paying up more than RM400,000 - legal sources say that he should have stepped down or notified the senate of the order and taken leave of absence pending the order being annulled.

According to records from the Official Assignee's Office, a bankruptcy notice was filed on Jan 3, 1990, and served on Zakaria on Feb 11, 1990.

Having failed to comply with the requirements of the notice, a Receiving Order was made and the Official Assignee was made the receiver of Zakaria's estate.

• The facts: Jan 3, 1990, bankruptcy notice filed against Zakaria;
• Feb 11, 1990, bankruptcy notice served on Zakaria;
• July 30, 1991, Zakaria appointed senator;
• Sept 10, 1992, declared a bankrupt by High Court; and
• Nov 24, 1992, discharged as a bankrupt

Terence Fernandez and Husna Yusop

PETALING JAYA (Nov 2, 2006): Police have launched a probe on the alienation of land by the Selangor Development Corporation (PKNS) to the Selangor Badminton Association (SBA).

It is learnt that Bukit Aman officer contacted SBA officials for details over the awarding of seven acres of land in the state by PKNS to SBA - both of which Port Klang assemblyman Datuk Zainal @ Zakaria Mat Deros is a member.

Zakaria, as president of SBA, is alleged to have made the application for 10 acres (four hectares) of land to PKNS - he is chairman of its land committee.

PKNS subsequetly granted seven acres (2.8ha) in Shah Alam to the badminton association to build courts and other related facilities.

"Police have contacted the SBA and its officers will be queried," said a police source.

"They have been asked to prepare the necessary documents. There is probably a case of abuse of power here, which is why we are investigating," the source added.

The source said the SBA investigations are ancillary to another probe being conducted by the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) over the illegal construction of Zakaria's mansion in Klang.

SBA deputy president V. Subramaniam, when contacted, said the SBA will co-orperate with the authorities. He declined to comment further.

PKNS press ofiicer Mohd Wazir Abdul Ghani told theSun he was unable to confirm if Zakaria was involved in the meeting in 2004 that decided to award the piece of land to SBA.

He said, however, that it was normal procedure for officials who had an interest in a project to excuse themselves from the meeting.

Two other Klang councillors - Mazlynoor Abdul Latif and Faizal Abdullah - have also built their houses without prior approval from the local council.

When contacted, Mazlynoor declined to say if he had met Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo or if he would resign.

Yesterday, Faizal announced he was stepping down from the post for the 2006-2008 term following a meeting with Mohd Khir the same day.

The Mentri Besar is attending the Conference of Rulers today.