The Malaysian Insider

IPOH, Feb 8 – To political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Shamsul Amri Baharuddin, the political situation in Perak raises questions whether the Malays, especially Pas supporters, had been used to champion the interests of the majority DAP and the minority Pas and Parti Keadilan Rakyat in defending the state government.

Unlike the Pakatan Rakyat (PR)’s earlier united actions of trying to get the Internal Security Act (ISA) abolished and calling for clean elections, he said the action of going against the establishment of a Barisan Nasional (BN) government in Perak showed “some discord among the PR component parties”.

What is clear is that the demonstration last Friday to oppose the appointment of BN’s Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir as Menteri Besar at Masjid Ubudiah, about 300m from Istana Iskandariah in Kuala Kangsar, was made up of Pas supporters without the participation of PR supporters of other races.

“Do these voices represent the interests of the DAP majority or the Malay minority? If we look at the demonstration that day it raise questions of whether Malays had been used as the BN also has a Malay majority,” Dr Shamsul told Bernama today.

What is more sad, he opined, is the show of feelings as if the Malays were ready to censure the institution of the rulers held in such high esteem in this country though their words and hand signs besides blocking the vehicle of the Regent of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah.

The incident goes clearly against the the Rukun Negara principle of “Loyalty to King and Country” and where the institution of the rulers embraces all races and religions in the country.

“Such emotional sentiments are out of control as the Pakatan Rakyat still questions how they were defeated. Now there is an political and constitutional impasse,” said kata Shamsul Amri.

He also questioned why other races did not oppose the forming of the BN government when the PR state government claimed to represent all races.

The issue of whether Pas had been played out by its allies in the PR has also been discussed in cyberspace with various arguements that DAP’s 17 state assembly seats were more dominant then Pas’ and PKR’s six and five seats respectively.

Political analyst Prof Dr Azahari Ismail said the actions of the PR should reflect its make up in defending its government.

“Let not in one ugly demonstration only side is passionate and others are not bothered and do nothing,” said Azahari.

He said the political structure in the country had been divided at the federal, state and district levels and any support or opposition must reflect that position.

“If the matter is reasonable, the relevant people should at the forefront, not those unaffected,” said Azahari referring to the demonstration last Friday that appeared to be attended by PR supporters from outside Perak.

About 50 DAP supporters held a peaceful demonstration outside the Perak state secretariat building today, five days after the PR state government fell into the hands of the BN.

Meanwhile, Pas’ vanguard corps, known as the “red ants army” was still guarding the official residence of the Perak Menteri Besar which is still being occupied by Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin who has been told by the Sultan of Perak to relinquish his post.

Mohamad Nizar had told the media that the PR state government would not step down until the High Court rules that it should. – Bernama

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