Perak will take EC to court
By Adib Zalkapli, The Malaysian Insider
Unhappy with the decision of the Election Commission (EC) not to call for by-elections, the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) Perak government today threatened to take legal action against the federal body.
The Perak government wants the courts to compel the EC to call for by-elections in the Behrang and Changkat Jering state constituencies as they are contending the two assemblymen, Jamaluddin Radzi and Osman Jailu, have already tendered their resignations.
Jamaluddin had declared that he has quit PKR, claiming that his resignation letter was signed under duress and he now wanted to be an independent assemblyman, but Osman has remained silent.
"We will file the case as soon as possible, and we have given them 48 hours," said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Nizar Jamaluddin at a press conference.
"We denounce completely the decision by EC," he added.
State assembly speaker V Sivakumar who was also present at the press conference said the EC should not question the decision made by him.
"It is the right of the Speaker to decide on the seats. It is not the duty of the Election Commission. I stand by my decision to declare the Behrang and Changkat Jering seats vacant," said Sivakumar who claimed to have received the resignation letters of the two state executive councillors on Sunday.
Earlier today the EC declared that no by-election would be called as the resignation of the PKR duo was deemed doubtful.
State executive councillor Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham later challenged the EC to reverse its decision within 48 hours.
Jamaluddin and Osman caused a stir in the state after his disappearance since last week, fueling speculation that they were ready to cross over to Umno, which could lead to the collapse of the Perak state government if another PR lawmaker joins them.
They however emerged through their representatives after Sivakumar announced their resignation as assemblymen on Sunday and pledged loyalty to PKR.
PR now leads the state government with the support of 30 out of 59 legislators in the state assembly.
