BN urged to consider ‘political solution’

(NST) GEORGE TOWN: Gerakan has called on the Barisan Nasional leadership to explore a political solution to the Perak crisis.

Party secretary-general Teng Chang Yeow said political options that could be considered include allowing the minority Pakatan Rakyat government to continue in office.

He said the national leadership could even concur with the dissolution of the Perak state assembly and the calling of fresh elections.

"Under the legal process, BN has the right to appeal for a review of the decision of the Kuala Lumpur High Court on the legitimacy of the menteri besar of Perak.

"However, the BN leadership should consider the possible subsequent impasse and political impact on the entire nation," he said.

On Monday, the Kuala Lumpur High Court reinstated Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin as Perak menteri besar.

Yesterday, the Court of Appeal granted a stay of execution of the High Court decision pending appeal.

Gerakan vice-president Huan Cheng Guan, however, took a different view from Teng. He said Nizar should have resigned as menteri besar when it was clear he no longer held a majority in the state assembly.

"The democratic convention is that if the prime minister or chief minister does not enjoy the support of the majority, or feels he will lose a vote of confidence, then he should immediately resign and invite the person who commands the majority of the state assembly to form the government."

"This matter should not have been brought to court resulting in this crisis in Perak."