Bagan Datuk 'murder' shocks PAS, death of democracy mourned

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s aide Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin’s revelation of what had transpired in Bagan Datuk, Perak, in the wee hours of the morning after the last general election has prompted PAS to ponder on the implications.

Perak PAS commissioner Razman Zakaria said the disclosure suggested “betrayal, manipulation and the death of democracy” in the parliamentary constituency which Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had retained with a wafer-thin majority of 348 votes.

“Anwar ordering that (Shamsul, who contested against Zahid, does not ask for) a recount... is akin to murdering the spirit of democracy.

“Anwar’s admission (according to Shamsul) that Zahid had agreed to support the formation of the government shows that the current government is not the unity government formed on the behest of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

“It (the new government) was confirmed as early as 2am after the election (on Nov 22) and not two days later (in Istana Negara),” he added in a statement.

Razman (above) also accused Zahid of betraying Umno voters who cast their ballots for the party’s candidates on the basis of the “No Anwar, No DAP” campaign.

In a recent podcast, Shamsul claimed that he did not challenge the results of the Bagan Datuk contest because of the “bigger picture”.

Although disappointed, the PKR leader said he let the issue rest following a conversation with Anwar at 2am.

Shamsul claimed that after receiving assurance that they were forming a government, he followed the “general’s orders”.

‘Checkmate’ for Zahid and Anwar

Razman said it was “most unfortunate” that the system of democracy can be “murdered with such ease”.

“The people have been used because of the loopholes in the existing system. Anwar should have corrected this in line with his reformasi clarion call for free and fair elections.

“Perak PAS sees this admission as proof that the current government was founded on deceit and legerdemain. Umno supporters must realise that their leaders have betrayed their trust,” he added.

Razman also described Shamsul’s disclosure as a “checkmate” for Zahid and Anwar who denied that the pair had conspired from the onset to form an alliance.

“This is clear that the government is built on lies and will continue to lie to the people as well as save themselves from punishment (court cases),” he added in an obvious reference to Zahid being granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) in his corruption case.

Shamsul’s remarks had also courted flak from Umno leaders, including Zahid’s daughter Nurulhidayah.

Saving Zahid? Umno fumes over PM's aide behind-the-scenes disclosure

Dr M admits to tit-for-tat lawsuit against Zahid

Don't trigger 'disturbances' to threaten unity govt, Zahid tells BN

Zahid cautions Umno against hubris after Mahkota win

Respect Zahid's call to stop 'teasing' Harapan - Wan Rosdy