By Syed Jaymal Zahiid - The Malaysian insider
PUTRAJAYA, Feb 9 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak told Pakatan Rakyat (PR) to accept today’s Federal Court ruling that upheld his Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition as the legitimate Perak government.
Najib (picture) said the verdict which found in favour of Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir was decided by the country’s top court and that its decision is legally supreme.
“Though those [who] lost may have a differing view of the judgment, we have to accept the decision of the country’s highest court,” he told a press conference here.
“The issue and saga of who is the rightful MB of Perak has been decided and I hope they (PR) accept this decision and not question the legitimacy of the Perak BN government,” he said, adding that he is happy with the decision.
He said now is the time for Perak folk to concentrate on the state’s development and refrain from partaking in “political activities disrespectful of the decision.”
“Now is the time so I hope the voters will give Zambry a chance to prove himself by bringing development and move Perak forward.
“Let us not go here and there demonstrating. This is the time to concentrate on the economy,” said the prime minister.
He then continued by saying that the next general election will be the best way to see if Perak voters are behind PR or BN.
The Court of Appeal ruled last May 22 that ousted Perak PR MB Datuk Seri Nizar Jamaluddin had lost the confidence of the majority of the Perak assemblymen when three PR lawmakers turned “pro-BN” independent in early February 2009.
The apex court today concurred with the appellate court’s ruling that Nizar must resign after failing to get the Perak Sultan to dissolve the state assembly and pave the way for fresh elections.
But Nizar said today that the decision will set a dangerous precedent as “it can lead to an absolute monarchy” where the Rulers “can now dismiss the prime minister or the mentri besar at any time.”
“If this decision goes on and becomes the law of the day, it will lead to an absolute monarchy,” Nizar said.
PR have accused Najib, who was the deputy prime minister at the time, of being the mastermind of the Perak BN “coup”.
Until today, the prime minister has vehemently denied the accusation.
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