Kadir Jasin resigns from position with Council of Eminent Persons (Updated)

PETALING JAYA: Veteran newsman Datuk A. Kadir Jasin has resigned as the head of media and communications for the Council of Eminent Persons following criticism against his recent views on the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
In a blog post today, he explained that the decision was to avoid further confusion among members of the public with regards to his role in the council and the views he expressed in his blog and his weekly column in Sinar Harian.
"I was writing in my personal capacity as a blogger and had nothing to do whatsoever with whatever position I might hold.
"However, that did not stop journalists and others quoting from the Blog from stating that I am the Head of Media and Communications of the Council of Eminent Persons," he said.
He said his resignation was accepted by Tun Daim Zainuddin who chairs the Council of Eminent Persons.
Kadir who is also a Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia supreme council member, in his recent blog post said that some RM257 million was spent for the upkeep and personal expenditure of Sultan Muhammad V in the 16 months since he became the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
This created a furore among several non-governmental organisations and netizens, resulting in three police reports being lodged against him.
On Thursday, he wrote another entry defending his earlier post, telling critics he only meant to show how royals need no assurances beyond what the Federal Constitution provides
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said police will be initiating an investigation for defamation, sedition, and under Section 233 of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Act against the veteran newsman.
PKR de-facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had also criticised Kadir, saying those singled out for criticism were unable to clarify such opinions.
Anwar said the Pakatan Harapan government had worked hard to get the Malay Rulers to appreciate the new administration,