Let Najib think earnestly about fresh elections in Perak

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw calls on the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib to consider seriously on having fresh elections in Perak to solve the political saga.

In February this year, the Barisan Nasional was in indecent haste to grab power in Perak. It did not follow the Article 16(6) of the Perak Constitution. It has gone over shoes, over boots. Now, Najib declares that only the Sultan of Perak has the power to call for fresh elections should there be a need for one.

Dr Tan comments on Najib's statement on 14.5.2009 that the Barisan Nasional does not fear fresh elections in Perak.

Najib said holding fresh elections in Perak was one of the options available to settle the state government issue but it was “not something that has to happen.”

“Barisan is not afraid to face fresh elections. We know we have to face the rakyat and we will face the rakyat when the time comes,” he told a press conference after attending the Public Service’s Labour Day gathering here Thursday.

On 11.5.2009, the High Court ruled that Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin was the rightful mentri besar after finding that the post could only be decided in the State Assembly.

The next day, Datuk Zambry Abd Kadir filed an appeal against the decision in the Court of Appeal and was granted a stay of execution, pending the decision on the appeal case.

The Perak saga continues. Meanwhile, the nation has to deal with the economic woes arising from the global crisis, compounded by the world influenza A H1N1 outbreak. Malacca has meningococcal meningitis. There are increasing incidence of crimes and social problems such as illegal immigrants and poverty.

Najib acknowleges that having fresh elections in Perak is an option. We hope that he thinks about it earnestly. It is never too late to mend.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw