No ISA against Karpal, Nizar
(The Star) PUTRAJAYA – DAP chairman Karpal Singh and former Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Nizar Jamaluddin need not be put under the Internal Security Act (ISA) action for not respecting the Sultan of Perak's decision, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
He said, however, police investigation had started against Karpal Singh while Mr Nizar would, soon, have to stop assuming he was still the Mentri Besar.
'I don't think there is a need to use the ISA against them,' Mr Abdullah said when asked to comment if the authorities would use the ISA against them.
Karpal Singh incurred the wrath of certain quarters after he said legal action could be taken against Sultan Azlan Shah of Perak and the Barisan Nasional for proceeding with the swearing-in of the state's new Mentri Besar and government.
The lawyer-politician claimed that the Sultan had acted beyond his powers in dismissing the Pakatan state government which was ultra vires to Article 16 of the Perak Constitution.
Mr Nizar defied the Sultan's order to step down as the Mentri Besar and declared he was still the state leader despite the swearing-in of Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir to replace him as the Mentri Besar.
Mr Abdullah said once police completed their investigations, a report would be submitted to the Attorney-General's Chambers for him to decide if action was to be taken against Karpal Singh.
On Mr Nizar's refusal to vacate the Perak Mentri Besar's official residence, the Prime Minister believed the former would do so soon.
'I do not think it is necessary to use force on him. I'm sure he can be advised to leave,' he said.
On the by-elections in Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selambau, Abdullah said Barisan should prepare from now.
'Barisan and Umno will have to prepare for the by-elections from now while waiting for the Election Commission to fix the dates,' he said.
Earlier, when opening the Public Sector Young Executive Conference 2009 here, Mr Abdullah reminded civil servants that they were responsible to ensure goals in the 9th Malaysia Plan were achieved despite the economic slowdown.
Mr Abdullah stressed that civil servants, from the office clerks to senior officers, must continue to improve their skills and knowledge to remain relevant.
The Prime Minister also reminded civil servants to be creative, adding they should not only be the users of technology but should be adventurous enough to be the innovators.
