I am of the opinion that whatever is happening in our country today is the result of BN's unexpected poor performance and the opposition's superb performance in the March 2008 general election.

Almost a year has passed and BN is still unable to accept the defeat while the PKR has not been able to strengthen its position due to both internal and external factors.

However, most people feel that BN's move to take over the Perak government with the support of three defecting state assembly persons was morally wrong. This action has caused more damage than good to everybody including the royalty.

As Malaysians, we must accord due respect to the rulers irrespective of whatever reasons we have.

As for Karpal Singh, I feel it is not proper for him to sue the Sultan of Perak. At that point in time, both Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin and Zambry bdul Kadir were claiming to be the rightful menteri besar of Perak.

He could have just brought the matter to the court for a decision on who is the rightful menteri besar is if he wanted to exercise his rights as a citizen. It was wrong to say anything about the ruler as the decision was based on the number of assembly persons - BN's 31 to Pakatan Rakyat's 28.

I do agree, however, that Umno's move was a desperate attempt to wrest the Perak state government. Instead of working hard till the next general election, Umno is looking for shortcuts to gain control of the state government which was under Pakatan. Such a method is not going to benefit Umno and BN in the long run.

I also saw on TV Karpal saying ‘ Pemuda Umno celaka ’. As a senior lawyer and a veteran politician, I feel it was wrong of him to utter such words even though he was not happy with UmnoYouth.

If he had proof that the bullets which came in the mail for him came from Umno Youth, he should have made a police report against the person(s) suspected. If the police fail to take action on his report, leave it to the public. The public will keep all this in mind come the next general election.

The move by Umno Youth to create a disturbance in Parliament has also not gone down well with the public and members of Parliament. They have brought their anger to parliament.

It appears to me that whatever is happening has got something to do with the coming Umno elections. Umno is having a leadership problem as members want changes in the party’s leadership at all levels and changes in the way the party it is run.

Members want the quota system removed but those in power want to retain it. Umno and BN cannot benefit by doing anything else except by making changes and start working hard to serve the people.

Otherwise, in the next general election, the opposition will form the government in all the states and take the federal government with more than a two-thirds majority.

The country and the public are suffering because of the current political instability. It would be better for the country and the people if BN and Pakatan can work together as a team till the next general election.

If not, dissolve parliament and the state assemblies to seek a fresh mandate from the voters.