Anwar calls for Parliament boycott
But it would only be for one day, Nov 11, the nomination day for the Kajang state seat by-election in Selangor
Anisah Shukry, FMT
Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim today declared that Pakatan Rakyat, the opposition pact made up of PAS, DAP and PKR, would wage a “new battle” against the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) starting with a semi-boycott of the new Parliament session which starts Monday.
Anwar said opposition members of Parliament will attend Monday’s Dewan Rakyat session only to hear the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s opening speech and will leave immediately after.
The following day, all 89 opposition MPs will boycott Parliament sitting the entire day.
“On March 11, all three parties and leaders will order our MPs not to attend Parliament session. That is our sign of protest against BN’s cruelty, corruption and continued manipulation of government institutions for their own interests,” Anwar told delegates today at the Pakatan Rakyat’s 5th Convention in Setia Alam.
“Instead, all MPs have been told to be present either at the Kajang by-election nomination centre or at the court house to support (DAP National Advisor) Karpal Singh,” he said to thunderous applause from the crowd.
Anwar said as Opposition Leader, he would not attend a function, to be graced by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, members of the cabinet, the Chief Justice and the Dewan Rakyat speaker on Mar 10.
“That is my sign of protest against the Chief Judge. Why should I attend and smile hypocritically at these evil people? Why should I respect a judge who does not respect the constitution and the law, and allows himself to become a tool for politicians?” Anwar questioned.
