vox populi big thumbnail ‘Karpal’s proposed action is not an action against the ruler in his personal capacity. Karpal is saying that the ruler erred in the exercise of his constitutional powers.’

On More than 84 reports: Police quiz Karpal

Democrat: I am not sure what is all the fuss about Karpal saying that he will sue the Sultan of Perak.

The Sultan of Perak is the constitutional head of government. He has certain functions under the federal and state constitutions. It was in the exercise of one such power that he rejected Nizar’s request that the state legislative assembly be dissolved and fresh elections held.

It was in the exercise of another power that he allowed BN to form the new state government. Karpal’s proposed action is in respect of the exercise of such powers. Karpal was not proposing suing the sultan in his personal capacity.

As a matter of record and interest, it was the BN government that amended the law allowing the rulers to be sued in their personal capacity in a special court established for the purpose. And that was proclaimed as a big step forward in our march away from a feudal state to a democratic state.

But Karpal’s proposed action is not an action against the ruler in his personal capacity. Karpal is saying that the ruler erred in the exercise of his constitutional powers in the matters referred to above. He is not committing an act of treason. It is a remedy allowed under the law.

Sultan Azlan Shah as a former Lord President with with a distinguished judicial career will be the first to make this point. The Bar Council, too, should come out with a clear statement.

And try put an end to the hysteria being generated by politicians. Good heavens. Where are the statesmen? Where are the voices of reason? Where have our leaders gone?

G-man: This goes to show that our police force would rather focus on questioning a wheelchair- bound politician as opposed to the criminals out there.

The 'avalanche' of police reports made also goes to show that some of these people who made the reports don't really have anything better to do than to than make aimless police reports.

Its truly sad to see so many not having a clue as to what their priorities are.

Jr Lee: Once again we clearly witness how the BN government practises double standard in not employing the draconian ISA against Umno members protesting in front of Karpal Singh's office.

On the other hand, it was quick to use the ISA against Hindraj protestors when they were seeking for justice for their community.

Malaysians know too well that those in power and abuse it are immune to the rule of law in this country. The home minister owes every Malaysian a good explanation for the double standard.

In the absence of a satisfactory and valid explanation, the Hindraf ISA detainees should be released without any further delay.

It is blatantly clear that the ISA allows the government to rule this country with absolute power and to put down any voice of protest, revelation of injustice and corruption to further advance their grip of power.

It is about time the ISA be abolished as there is no longer any communist threat, which was the only reason for adopting the ISA in the first place. Let the democratic laws of this country take its place. .

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Kaisim: The world is watching Umno and its youth wing during the latest political incident in Malaysia. They really behaved like lords of the jungle. The police said they are colour blind but strangely, their enforcement is seen not to be so.

Why is Umno Youth allowed demonstrations without permits? Is this not a double standard? No one is above the law and its application must be fair in order to gain the respect of the people.

Malaysia is a democratic country and we are allowed to have different views on any issue. Under the constitution, even the members of a royal family can be brought to court for doing something not right. So why the cry for treason?

These people have made Malaysia ugly in the eyes of the world by shouting out unpleasant things.

There is nothing wrong for Kapal Singh to sue anyone in court. He is a good lawyer and knows his job well. He is the guardian of law in this country and many have benefitted from his service. I respect this man for his guts.

When the illegal Indonesians demonstrated and waved flags in Nilai a few years ago Umno Youth did not make a fuss.

But for Karpal, a Malaysian, they called for his citizenship to be cancelled just because he wanted everyone to follow the constitution.

On Poll: 88% disagree with the Sultan

Captain: The Perak fiasco has confirmed to us once again that Barisan leaders are immoral on the whole.

Then there are of mostly extremely low intelligence. They don't understand what ‘rule of law' means.

They are afraid that Karpal will go to court and win so they are trying to derail the whole legal process of the Perak illegal government issue.

If what Karpal is doing is derhaka kepada Raja , then Mahathir, Abdullah and Najib did it thrice over, remember ?

‘The appointment of Kijal assembly person Ahmad Said as the new menteri besar of Terengganu is unconstitutional, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi’ .

Finally, why is it okay for BN to protest on the streets and not for Pakatan? Yet the IGP says it is not same?

On Zambry appoints 4 advisers with exco status

John F Joseph: Newly-appointed Perak Menteri Besar 2 Dr Zambry lives in fear that exco member Hamidah Osman may mistake him for an Indian and hit him.

It was not so long ago that Hamidah asked Speaker V Sivakumar whether he had heard of the famous fable about an Indian and a snake and whether he ‘agreed to disagree’.

She elaborated: ‘Bila nampak seekor ular dan seorang India, pukul India dulu. Setuju?’

She had expected to be appointed the first female MB but her earlier racist remarks came back to haunt her.

So, is she going to hit him before hitting the snake?

On IGP: State police to decide ban on political 'ceramah'

Peter Ooi: I do not know what are the motives of the IGP’s plan to ban political ceramah just on the eve of impending by-elections in Perak and Kedah. But I do believe it is a pre-emptive measure to prevent PR from effectively campaigning in the elections. Thus the ruling party would have an unfair advantage over them.

As has the been the practice, the ruling parties can always campaign by giving speeches on special occasions like openong ceremony of a surau or handing over of keys of low cost houses. On such occassions, the ministers would have a free day propagating their agenda.

Or most probably the IGP thought that opposition parties are made up of irresponsible members are out to create trouble. If he harbours such thoughts he is absolutely wrong. When did the opposition ever make inflammatory speeches inciting racial feelings?

But this cannot be said of BN members especially those from Umno. A good example is the infamous Ahmad Ismail who is yet to be charged even after so many months. And just look a the recent protest by Umno Youth against Menteri Besar Nizar at Ipoh.

If the IGP were to make a study of past inflammatory statements, he would be shocked that almost all were made by the members from the ruling parties. But strangely, none of them were ever charged in court, correct me if I am wrong.

It’s time that the police are fair to all parties, oppositon or ruling. If it wanted to impose a ban, make sure that it is an absolute one where even ministers are not allowed to make speeches on the pretext of opening ceremonies and whatnot. Only then the police can earn our respect.

Yuvan: The whole country is thoroughly fed up with the political upheaval and events of the past few weeks.

The by-elections in Bukit Selambau and Bukit Gantang are extremely crucial to both BN and PR. Voters in these two constituencies will come under tremendous pressure from both these parties.

BN leaders should learn to practice what they preach when they talk about democracy and good governance. The leaders in PR on the other hand, should have, by now, learnt a lesson or two from their Perak debacle.

I hope they put an end to all their internal squabbles and work on choosing the right candidates for both these constituencies. There cannot be any room for unnecessary sentiment and politicking.

It is of utmost important that the chosen candidates are 100% clean, trustworthy and well-respected by the constituents concerned.

The results of these two by-elections will show, to a very significant extent, where the political scenario of the nation is heading to.