Lawyer Karpal Singh has reiterated that his statement on the removal of Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin as menteri besar by the sultan of Perak, was purely a legal opinion on the manner the crisis was handled.

The senior politician, who is DAP chairperson, maintained that his press statement on Feb 6, 2009 at his office was not intended to insult or question the prerogative of the sultan.

“I might be wrong in my legal opinion, but nothing in the statement was seditious,” he contended when cross-examined by deputy public prosecutor Noorin Badarudin during his sedition trial at the High Court in Kuala Lumpur today.

When Noorin referred to his press statement and transcript of a question-and-answer session that the word ‘manner’ was never mentioned, Karpal, who is also Bukit Gelugor member of parliament, said his view should be read in its entirety, rather than in isolation.

He also disagreed with Noorin that the wording in his statement, especially the word, ‘firm reminder’, could be construed as giving an ultimatum to the sultan, but that it was just a reminder based on two case laws.

Karpal also told Justice Azman Abdullah that his statement was never intended to insult the Sultan or mislead the public.

“I'm aware that the sultan, being a former deputy public prosecutor, judge and lord president, is aware of the law. But here, we are talking about the manner he did it. By calling the assemblypersons to the palace, was not right. It should be at the state assembly,” he reasoned.

However, when referred to the findings of the Federal Court in the civil case involving Mohamad Nizar and (current Perak menteri besar) Zambry Abdul Kadir on steps taken by the sultan before deciding on the removal, Karpal conceded that his opinion was purely based on what was reported by the media.

During today’s proceeding, Noorin and Karpal exchanged some strong words when she contended the facts of two case laws cited by the latter in the press  conference were totally different from the political crisis of Perak.

“Right or wrong, that was my view. As a lawyer, you can’t be always right. But never accuse any lawyer of misleading the public,” responded Karpal, before Azman ordered Noorin to proceed with her further question.

On June 11, 2010, Karpal was discharged and acquitted by the High Court at the end of the prosecution case on a charge of uttering seditious statements in regard to the sultan of Perak, at his law firm in Jalan Pudu Lama, Kuala Lumpur on Feb 6, 2009.

Upon appeal by the prosecution, he was ordered to enter his defence.

Karpal, 73, had allegedly said the removal of Mohammad Nizar as Perak menteri besar and Zambry’s appointment to the post by the sultan could be questioned in a court of law.

Noorin will continue her cross-examination tomorrow.

- Bernama