Chinese New Year celebrations are still in full swing but for some disgruntled Perakians, it was a time of mourning over the 'death of democracy' in the state.

bn chinese new year perak celebration dinner 070209 04 To the Chinese, death is not normally associated with good omen but 300 vigilers decided it was necessary to hold a mock funeral near a Chinese New Year function attended by newly minted Perak Menteri Besar Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir last night.

Zambry arrived at the Yuk Choy Primary School amidst heavy security only to be greeted with very loud boos and jeers from the vigilers gathered outside.

Unperturbed by the loud heckling, Zambry continued to shake hands with well wishers while being surrounded by police and Rela personnel.

Rela personnel even formed a human chain to provide a clear path for Zambry all the way from the school gate to the hall some 20 metres away.

Shouts and a symbolic funeral

After Zambry was safely tucked away in the school hall, vigilers began lighting candles and hearing short speeches about how democracy had gasped its last breath following the unpopular Barisan Nasional take-over of the state.

"Remember, this does not mean that democracy cannot be brought back to life," said PKR activist Simon Ooi.

candle light vigil in perak 070209 02 Ooi also led the crowd in chanting "Hidup rakyat", "Bubar DUN (dissolve the assembly)", "Restore democracy" and "Love live democracy".

After a short 20-minute vigil, the crowd placed their white candles and white chrysanthemums around a 'tombstone' before dispersing peacefully.

Gopeng MP Dr Lee Boon Chye, who arrived just as the vigil was about to end, knelt in praying position in front of the mock tombstone in a bid to drive his point further.

In the school hall, Zambry received an encouraging reception from the 1,500-strong crowd when he entered. However, muted applause greeted him when he took the rostrum.

Zambry tried his best to win over his audience by displaying his knowledge abo candle light vigil in perak 070209 01 ut Chinese zodiac animals and the water element.

He said he believed that the Perak people were as resilient and strong as oxen before suddenly talking about water.

candle light vigil in perak 070209 06 "If there is fire, use water. If people are thristy, give them water. All this will make us more sejuk hati (calm). Barisan Nasional does not use fire. We don't play fire with fire.

"As a humble menteri besar in front of you. I don't say I am the best. I always believe that we have to work together,for this unique state of ours, to become the most successful state in Malaysia," he said.

Tight security

However the crowd warmed up to him later on during his 15-minute speech when he declared that he was a menteri besar for all Perakians.

But it was only when Zambry pledged RM30,000 to the school's Chinese orchestra that the whole audience gave a rousing applause

candle light vigil in perak 070209 01 After his speech, Zambry was quickly whisked away by his security detail.

Police personnel ran alongside his official car until it was well clear of the remaining vigilers, who again gave him another round of jeers and boos.

Immediately after, the jeers were replaced with 'ooohs and aahs' as a 20-minute long fireworks display entertained the crowd.

Up for grabs during the function was a 32-inch plasma television. It is unclear who the organisers were. MCA leaders such as Perak chief Kong Cho Har and Chenderiang assemblyperson Dr Mah Han Soon along with Gerakan deputy-president Chang Ko Youn and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department T Murugiah were present.

Deputy Premier Najib Abdul Razak who was supposed to grace the event pulled out at the eleventh hour, purportedly for security reason.

Photos and additional reporting by Kuek Ser Kuang Keng

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