Ding-dong battle on the cards as BN hints at crossovers

(The Star) – AN intriguing battle is shaping up in Perak with the ruling Pakatan Rakyat and Barisan Nasional involved in an intense shadow power play.

After “pinching” Umno’s Bota assemblyman Datuk Nasarudin Hashim, Pakatan Rakyat is now said to be under attack, with Barisan claiming that two PKR assemblymen will quit to become Independents before joining Umno.

While the manoeuvring goes on, Pakatan has shot back at Barisan, claiming that three more Umno assemblymen will be crossing over to PKR.

It is going to be a delicate balancing act in Perak, with Pakatan currently holding 32 state seats against Barisan’s 27.

If the Barisan claim materialises, Pakatan could end up with a razor thin one-seat edge over Barisan.

If, on the other hand, the Pakatan claim turns out to be true, Pakatan will increase its representation in the State Assembly to 35 members.

Whatever the outcome, Perak Umno looks set to have a new leader, with former Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli Ghazali likely to step down this Sunday, with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak taking over.