The threat of a possible ban on political ceramah did not deter Pakatan Rakyat leaders in Perak from holding one last night.

It also did not discourage their supporters from turning up in full force.

pkr perak ceramah 110209 crowd 02.jpg About 1,500 Pakatan supporters packed the Chin Woo hall in Ipoh to hear their leaders' take on the current crisis enveloping the state.

And among those singled out for criticism was Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan, who yesterday did not rule out the possibility of a ban on political ceramah.

Among those who spoke last night was ousted Perak Menteri Besar Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin who is now regarded as a hero by Pakatan supporters.

Others who took to the stage were DAP Perak chief Ngeh Koo Ham, DAP Perak exco Nga Kor Ming, Gopeng PKR parliamentarian Dr Lee Boon Chye and PKR exco Tai Sing Ng.

The moment Nizar appeared, he was greeted with a standing ovation and thunderous applause.

'They have raped the constitution'

The normally articulate menteri besar, who has discovered his combative streak since the political coup, wasted no time in firing salvoes at Barisan Nasional.

pkr perak ceramah 110209 nizar.jpg "They (BN) have raped the constitution of Perak. BN is a government without dignity and is shameless," he said to loud applause.

Nizar was also moved close to tears when describing how he had been evicted from his office.

Speaking in Cantonese, he also called on the predominantly Chinese audience to 'Tui Lam' (overthrow) the BN government.

Only a handful of police personnel were present.

One of those who attended the ceramah told Malaysiakini that he would continue attending such ceramah even if the police prohibit it.

"It is my constitutional right," said the Pakatan Rakyat supporter who wished to remain anonymous.

Last night's ceramah, described by some as a 'night of fire and indignation', lasted for three hours.