End 'high drama' in Perak

The demands continue for fresh elections in Perak, with Klang parliamentarian Charles Santiago adding his plea for an end to the political impasse in the state.

“The political high drama in Perak must end. I call upon the Ruler to call for a fresh mandate,” he said in a statement today.

Unless the people are allowed to choose their elected representatives and have a say in the appointment of a menteri besar, “the political bickering will continue”.

The crisis in Perak began unfolding early last month, with each week bringing new points of contention that have mutated into a series of lawsuits.

Both Pakatan Rakyat and Barisan Nasional (BN) are seeking to exert control over the state, with each side holding 28 seats now. Three former Pakatan members have turned Independent, but have declared themselves to be “BN-friendly”.

Last week, the legislative assembly held a special meeting under a raintree, when the Pakatan elected representatives found themselves locked out of the state secretariat building which houses the House.

Santiago claimed that the people of Perak have shown support for opposition leaders ever since the beginning of the political mayhem.

“Their wrath has been specifically directed at the Perak sultan for failing to dissolve the state assembly and paving the way for fresh elections ,” he said.

“The sultan’s decision to allow BN to form a new governement shows total disrespect for the will of the people who had clearly elected a Pakatan government (in March last year).”

He said the state government needs to reorganise itself urgently to respond to economic problems arising from the global recession.

“Ruling politicians are preoccupied with power while Malaysians are frustrated by the growing possibility that the country will be hit by recession by the end of the year,” he said, adding that the government should work with everyone to protect the livelihood and quality of life of all Malaysians.