Before thousands, Zambry vows to defend monarchy

By Adib Zalkapli, The Malaysian Insider

Just one day after being suspended from the Perak legislative assembly, Menteri Besar Datuk Zambry Kadir today took his case to a gathering of more than 5,000 Barisan Nasional Youth members here by vowing to defend the institution of the monarchy.

The gathering was to demonstrate the loyalty of BN Youth members to the Malay Rulers.

Speaking to thousands of party members clad in yellow t-shirts, the Pangkor assemblyman warned the Pakatan Rakyat leadership not to undermine the Malay Rulers.

“We warn them not to go against the Rulers, do not play up the anti monarchy sentiment. We will defend the institution of the Malay Rulers,” said Zambry to shouts of Daulat Tuanku (Long Live The King).

He said the events in Perak were unprecedented and an embarrassment to the people.

“A man was willing to speak up against the Sultan, saying ‘patik mohon derhaka’. For the sake of power he was willing to commit treason against the Sultan,” said Zambry referring to Datuk Seri Nizar Jamaluddin who claims that he is still the legitimate Menteri Besar of Perak.

The state got into a constitutional crisis early this month after Sultan Azlan Shah refused to accept Nizar’s advice to dissolve the legislative assembly but chose to appoint a new BN government led by Zambry.

Nizar has also filed a suit at the Kuala Lumpur High Court seeking a declaration that Zambry’s appointment was illegal.

The Perak crisis worsen yesterday after the state assembly speaker V Sivakumar announced the suspension of Zambry and six state executive councillors.

The suspension is seen as an attempt by the PR to force the dissolution of the assembly to pave the way for a state-wide election, but seen by BN leaders as a sign of disrespect to the Sultan.