THE political tussle for Perak took a dramatic twist today. Bota assemblyperson Datuk Nasaruddin Hashim rejoined Umno after defecting to Parti Keadilan Rakyat on 25 Jan 2009. Three other assemblypersons — Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi (Behrang), Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu (Changkat Jering), and Hee Yit Foong (Jelapang) — left the Pakatan Rakyat to be “friendly” independents […]
Perak
Snap poll best bet
By Wong Chin HuatMALAYSIA’S political and economic stability now hangs on the developments in Perak. The Pakatan Rakyat state government has now effectively collapsed because it has lost four state assemblypersons. With the return of Bota state assemblyperson Datuk Nasaruddin Hashim to Umno, the Barisan Nasional (BN) now holds 28 seats — the same number as Pakatan Rakyat […]
Bad idea to bring people of poor quality: Dr M
KUALA LUMPUR, 4 Feb 2009: Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said it was not a good idea for Barisan Nasional (BN) to gain majority by bringing in people of poor quality. He said this when ask to comment on the move by four assemblypersons in Perak who left Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and […]
Sabah’s political history repeating in Perak
KOTA KINABALU, 4 Feb 2009: After 15 years, it looks like Sabah’s political history is being repeated in Perak. Both state governments were thrown into political turmoil after winning elections with a thin margin. The already tumultuous Perak politics was thrown further into confusion yesterday when Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) assemblypersons — Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi […]
BN ready to form new govt in Perak, says PM
PUTRAJAYA, 4 Feb 2009: The Barisan Nasional (BN) is ready to form a new government in Perak following four assemblypersons in the state quitting their parties to support the BN, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. “We wish extend our thanks if they have taken the decision to state their support for the […]
Seek mandate from people, says Nik Aziz
KUALA LUMPUR, 4 Feb 2009: PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat said the political quagmire in Perak should be resolved through a snap state election. He said the people should be given the opportunity to decide which party should be given the mandate to rule the state. “I will be happy if […]
Najib to seek audience with Sultan of Perak
By Deborah LohPUTRAJAYA, 4 Feb 2009: Datuk Seri Najib Razak will be seeking an audience tomorrow with the Perak Ruler, Sultan Azlan Shah, for the Barisan Nasional (BN) to attempt to form the new state government. The deputy prime minister said this today after announcing that Bota state assemblyperson Datuk Nasaruddin Hashim has rejoined Umno after defecting […]
BN components support call for new Perak govt (Updated)
(Updated 7:52pm; 4 Feb 2009) KUALA LUMPUR, 4 Feb 2009: Barisan Nasional (BN) component leaders today threw support for their counterparts in Perak, who now have enough state assemblypersons to form the new state government after four Pakatan Rakyat representatives left their respective parties. Gerakan deputy president and state Gerakan chairperson Datuk Chang Ko Youn […]
Constitution discourages unnecessary elections
KUALA LUMPUR, 4 Feb 2009: Although some may want the political drama in Perak to end with either a snap election or by-elections, according to a senior law lecturer, the Federal Constitution does not encourage such action. Prof Dr Abdul Aziz Bari of International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM) said several provisions in the Constitution […]
MB seeks to dissolve state assembly (updated 9pm)
(Updated 9:00pm; 4 Feb 2009) IPOH, 4 Feb 2009: Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin did not say whether Sultan Azlan Shah gave consent to the state government’s request to dissolve the state legislative assembly. “I met the Tuanku and requested the Tuanku’s consent and the Tuanku will decide. It’s up to the […]