Zambry’s turn to cite ‘rule of law’
(The Malaysian Insider) — Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir says that Speaker V Sivakumar has overreached his jurisdiction and promises to react “according to the rule of law”.
A picture of concern. Datuk Zambry Abdul Kadir looks for a way in, into the state assembly in the state he supposedly runs as menteri besar.
He said this today when asked about the Speaker’s move to suspend him and his six executive councillors yesterday for 18 months and a year respectively.
However, when quizzed over Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi’s suggestion to lodge a police report, Zambry declined to comment further on what exact action he would take to challenge Sivakumar, who is also chairman of the Perak assembly’s rights and privileges committee.
He also rebuked reporters for speculating on what he claims is a stable Barisan Nasional (BN) government.
“Do not anticipate anything. The most important thing is that he has done what he has done. For me, I need to concentrate on being the menteri besar for the people,” he said.
Zambry also refused to reveal if he would defy Sivakumar by attending the next assembly sitting, merely stating that Sivakumar has abused his powers and should double-check with on his actions.
“The letter that he sent to us claiming that we did not give any explanation to the inquiry was a total lie,” he said.
However, Sivakumar claims that “they refused to give any statement yesterday” but declined to comment further on what provisions he was acting under until he had sought further legal advice.
Sivakumar had earlier confirmed that he would remove Zambry and his six exco members if they attempted to make an appearance in the assembly.
He made the decision yesterday when the committee held an inquiry over whether Zambry and his exco had acted in contempt of the assembly by being sworn into office unconstitutionally.
