The political calculation that allowed BN to form the new Perak state government is legally questionable, according to former law minister Zaid Ibrahim.
In an email to Malaysiakini , he said that the notion that BN now has a three-seat majority itself is dubious for several reasons.
“Can someone explain why BN is deemed to have a working majority? If the three letters of support from the defectors are genuine and valid, and not executed under duress, then why not just convene a special session and pass a vote of no confidence?
“(But) it would seem that all we need to do in cases like this is just convince our constitutional monarchs that we have a working majority by bringing them to the palace, or wherever suitable, and then call the press to announce the takeover,” he said.
The former minister further said that such a scenario reflected a total disrespect towards the will of the people who had clearly voted for a Pakatan Rakyat government in Perak.
“Tabling the motion of no confidence against the menteri besar is the more democratic option as it is the best indicator as to whether or not Nizar (the Pakatan MB who was asked to step down) commands the majority of the assembly.
“(BN) should let the rakyat see for themselves in the august chamber of the state assembly whether or not their government has lost support. What’s so difficult about that?
“(But) of course we can go back to the days when the rulers can decide on matters affecting the rakyat and don’t have to explain anything to anyone.
“If that’s where we are and we want to keep it that way, than stop kidding ourselves that we have a workable parliamentary democracy,” said Zaid.
On the decision by Sultan Azlan Shah not to dissolve the Perak assembly and sack Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin as menteri besar, Zaid Ibrahim said any decision by His Highness affecting public policies and interests should include basic ideals like justice and fairness.
Zaid is not the only legal authority to have labeled the Perak political imbroglio as a legal and constitutional crisis.
Other legal experts like the president of the National Human Rights Society (Hakam) Malik Imtiaz and former UN special rapporteur for judicial independence Param Cumaraswamy had also voiced similar sentiments.
Ku Li: Why Nizar is still the MB
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4 comments:
The Sultan's action is legally debateable, but morally wrong.Perhaps,the wishes of his raayat should be given ample consideration. The Sultan could have taken a longer time to decide! Why the hasty decision?
Was he under some sort of pressure to decide quickly?The Perak Constitutional Crisis will take some time to resolve.Can a ruler or the King dismiss his MB or PM simply base on his sole judgement, without considering the role to be played by the State Assembly or Parliament?Do we actually practise Constitutional Monarchy?
HIDUP HIDUP!
HIDUP RAKYAT!
As a Perakian I am now seething with anger, disgusted with all the frogs/toads and if you are are like me, lost for words at the shenanigan in the silver state and unable to restraint your anger but still want to stay sane, you can swear and still stay saintly! This blog has a link in how to curse your enemies without losing your cool! :)
http://thehingeblogs.blogspot.com/2009/02/verbal-blastings.html
Malik and Param always againt the establishment always againt the Malay
Zaid is a frustrated Umno politician till now he is still Umno member he is still awaiting a phone call from Najib
All this problem was created by Nizar the ex moron MB allowed himself to be controlled by Nga and Ngeh..
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