Suhakam calls for fresh polls
Published: Feb 6, 2009 11:33 AM | Updated: Feb 6, 2009 11:43 AM
The Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) today expressed disagreement with the manner in which the political crisis in Perak was handled.
The Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) today expressed disagreement with the manner in which the political crisis in Perak was handled.
The commission felt that only a fresh elections could resolve the uncertainty, especially when the legality of the resignation letters of the three Pakatan Rakyat state assemblypersons is in doubt.
Suhakam was responding to the 'political coup' staged by Barisan Nasional following the resignation of the four state assemblypersons.
While Pakatan had called upon Sultan Azlan Shah to dissolve the state assembly and call for a snap polls, the Perak ruler has opted to consent to the formation of a new state government.
However, Suhakam reminded the concerned parties that it is the basic human right of the people to choose the government of their choice.
"It appears that the method adopted in forming the new government for the state of Perak is questionable, consequently so is the legitimacy of the new state government.
"Suhakam noted that the Sultan of Perak has not consented to the dissolution of the state legislative assembly.
"Suhakam is of the opinion that new elections for the state legislative assembly, in line with the principle of human rights, will resolve the political uncertainty of the state government."
'Don't behave like Jebat'
In a related development, an Umno Youth leader called on Pakatan Rakyat not to act like Hang Jebat, the 15th century Malay warrior who rebelled against the Malacca sultan.
Gua Musang Umno Youth head Bazlan Baharuddin said as the majority of members of PAS and PKR were Malays, they should understand the position of the sultan as the head of the state and religion.
He was responding to Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin's refusal to step down as Perak menteri besar although decreed to do so by the sultan.
"Pakatan should not act irrationally as the sultan was fair in making the decision, taking into consideration the interests of the people," he was quoted as saying by Bernama.
In fact, Bazlan added, PAS' spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat accepted the decision as it was within the sultan's right and power.
The commission felt that only a fresh elections could resolve the uncertainty, especially when the legality of the resignation letters of the three Pakatan Rakyat state assemblypersons is in doubt.
Suhakam was responding to the 'political coup' staged by Barisan Nasional following the resignation of the four state assemblypersons.While Pakatan had called upon Sultan Azlan Shah to dissolve the state assembly and call for a snap polls, the Perak ruler has opted to consent to the formation of a new state government.
However, Suhakam reminded the concerned parties that it is the basic human right of the people to choose the government of their choice.
"It appears that the method adopted in forming the new government for the state of Perak is questionable, consequently so is the legitimacy of the new state government.
"Suhakam noted that the Sultan of Perak has not consented to the dissolution of the state legislative assembly.
"Suhakam is of the opinion that new elections for the state legislative assembly, in line with the principle of human rights, will resolve the political uncertainty of the state government."
'Don't behave like Jebat'
In a related development, an Umno Youth leader called on Pakatan Rakyat not to act like Hang Jebat, the 15th century Malay warrior who rebelled against the Malacca sultan.
Gua Musang Umno Youth head Bazlan Baharuddin said as the majority of members of PAS and PKR were Malays, they should understand the position of the sultan as the head of the state and religion.
He was responding to Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin's refusal to step down as Perak menteri besar although decreed to do so by the sultan."Pakatan should not act irrationally as the sultan was fair in making the decision, taking into consideration the interests of the people," he was quoted as saying by Bernama.
In fact, Bazlan added, PAS' spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat accepted the decision as it was within the sultan's right and power.
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