Emotional supporters led to chaos in Perak

KUALA LUMPUR, 17 Feb 2009: A government backbencher told the Dewan Rakyat that highly emotional and fanatical party supporters were among causes for the political chaos in Perak recently.

Datuk Razali Ibrahim (BN-Muar) said the emotional party supporters had cast the constitution aside and tarnished the Malay Rulers’ institution.

“What did the Raja Muda of Perak (Raja Dr Nazrin Shah) feel when he was stopped by some people amidst chaotic scenes? What did the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah feel when his son was treated such?

“Emotions can create extreme perception. The people must make a stand: this is not political but a question of nationhood. The Malay Rulers are the country’s umbrella,” he said when tabling a motion of thanks to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin here today.

Razali said the people must reject the deplorable acts that had infringed the government’s openess policy.

“The Rukun Negara is clear, why can’t we be loyal to the king, country and the constitution. We must not infringe upon the openness as it will disturb the peace,” he said.

Razali agreed with a proposal by Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi (BN-Batu Pahat) that  a special committee be formed to ensure that the federal constitution was practised and not twisted by certain groups.

He said action should be taken against those wanting to sue the Sultan of Perak and Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.

“Any delay will cause uneasiness and confuse the people. We cannot allow the Sultan to be sued,” he added.

Khalid Abdul Samad (PAS-Shah Alam) criticised Razali and claimed that the   demonstration in front of Ubudiah Mosque leading to the stopping of Raja Dr Nazrin’s car was proof of the people’s disappointment with what happened.

He claimed that Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) were hiding behind the Malay Rulers after they could not face challenges.

“Umno’s act to drag in the Malay Rulers is an insult to the institution and opposed by the people,” he said.

On party-hopping by Bota state assemblyperson Datuk Nasaruddin Hashim, Razali said the opposition had been making such claim since 16 Sept last year.

“The member for Permatang Pauh (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) was the first to talk about party hopping. We do not agree as it is unethical and immoral.

“However, when a member from another party crosses over, we hear talks about the need for a new act,” he said.

Dewan Rakyat sitting continues tomorrow. — Bernama