Instant reaction: The Perak Impasse?
By Melody Song, Lam Jian Wyn and Chua Sue-Ann, The Edge
The events that unfolded in Perak today has once again raised more questions. The Edge Malaysia spoke to political observers for their take on the deadlock occurring in Perak.
Khoo Kay Peng, political analyst: People are confused. Many people don't know what the real role of the state assembly Speaker is. Nor do they understand the concept of separation of powers. When the police block off entry into the state government complex, this raises the question from whom are they getting these directives?
Asmawi Mohamad, political analyst: I’m just embarrassed by the way the rule of law and supremacy of the Constitution have been trampled on left and right by all sorts of branches – the executive, judiciary and legislature. We do not know which is which anymore. I think we are fast becoming another third-world country that we only heard about in Africa, many years ago.
Rita Sim, deputy chairperson of Insap: Public perception is the big issue here. Right now, the public appear to be in favour of Pakatan Rakyat because Barisan Nasional is currently facing credibility issues. It is very unfortunate that the public believes that BN deliberately wants to do this and that it is part of a plot. The reality may be very different, but public perception is putting the BN under a lot of pressure. If someone were to conduct polls now, the BN would not fare well in terms of popularity, and neither will the royal house.
Khaw Veon Szu, executive director of Sedar Institute: One of the paramount principles is to return it to the rakyat, but instead of dissolving the assembly, the Sultan appointed a new MB. Since there are competing claims, the best way to resolve this Constitutional crisis is through the court. I hope the court can resolve this quickly and swiftly, and the decision made be respected by all parties.
Wong Chin Huat, political analyst: I think that there should be some deep thought from the Palace. It’s a constitutional crisis in the making. It would be disastrous for the court to interfere in legislature. There is also the case of MB versus MB. It’s a case of whether the constitutional process has been carried out.
Dr Mohammad Agus Yusoff, political science lecturer at UKM: From a constitutional and political science point of view, the power of the Speaker cannot be challenged in the court of law. If the court intervenes, the perception of the rakyat towards the court will not bring anything good. If the court rules in favour of Pakatan Rakyat, people will not be satisfied and similarly, if the court rules in favour of Barisan Nasional, there will be those that are not happy with the decision. So the court will be on trial. It won’t be good.
