V Sivakumar's role in the 'Pakatan sitting' in the Perak legislative assembly this morning was an act of treason, according to Umno vice-president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Commenting on the commotion created by Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat holding simultaneous ‘sittings', he alleged that Sivakumar had clearly committed treason because he disregarded the command of the Perak sultan.

ahmad zahid hamidi "(Sivakumar) used the time of adjournment given (by BN speaker R Ganesan) and he wore the speaker's robe to convene another session on his own by taking Ganesan's spot," said Ahmad Zahidi (left) .

[It was reported, however, that police had "grabbed" the robe from Sivakumar prior to his entering the House, and that he had conducted the sitting from his seat as Tronoh representative.]

"In my opinion, under Perak laws, the power to dissolve and the power to call [ sic ] for an assembly is under the authority of the sultan of Perak.

"Therefore, the people of Perak or the state assembly representatives, on the basis of who forms the majority, must comply with the state legislation that gives autonomy [ sic ] to the sultan".

Ahmad Zahidi, who is also defence minister, was speaking to reporters at the Parliament lobby.

"I do not think we should tolerate these actions by Sivakumar and his stooges as the legislation should be respected by all parties, whether they are from the opposition or the ruling party," he said.

‘Wait for new vote'

Ahmad Zahidi said that, when BN formed the opposition in the state following the general election in March last year, its representatives had complied with laws and respected the command of the sultan.

NONE "The principles of a democratic system should be acknowledged by the majority and if they (Pakatan) want to rule, they should wait for the (next) general election to determine who controls the majority," he said, adding the respect should be reciprocated.

Pakatan's 10-month administration of the state and slim hold over the legislature was terminated unexpectedly in May when three of its assemblypersons turned ‘BN-friendly' Independents.

Pakatan is still contesting the validity of decisions made at the time, including the question of the lawful menteri besar of the state.

It continues to operate a ‘state cabinet' while its ‘speaker' maintains his right to call assembly sittings, pending judicial decisions .