Azmi Sharom: Fresh polls the best solution for Terengganu

Although Pakatan Rakyat (PR) has a strong chance to topple the Barisan Nasional (BN) led government in Terengganu as payback for the 2009 Perak political crisis, it would be hypocritical of them to do so, Universiti Malaya Law Faculty Associate Professor Dr Azmi Sharom said.

Speaking to fz.com, Azmi noted that the people of Terengganu voted for a BN state government and even though PR has a chance to take over the government without fresh state polls, they would be cheating the rakyat if they did so.

“The problem here is this: The people of Terengganu voted for an Umno government. They didn’t vote for a PR government but for an Umno government. If we say what happened in Perak was unjust, it is hypocritical of PR if they claim the majority government after what they said regarding Perak.

“If they do that, they will also be disrespecting the voters in Terengganu. The democratic thing to do is to have a fresh state election. I know it will cost a lot of money and might waste people’s time but it is the most democratic thing to do right now,” said Azmi.

The vocal UM lecturer, who is known for his sarcasm also took aim at former Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said and his two cohorts.

“Plans were cancelled for a daughter’s wedding. How dare they shame him (Ahmad) before his daughter’s wedding and b***** h***, there must a state election!

“By Golly! It is such a tragedy that a man is removed from his post just before the daughter’s wedding reception! We must have a state election over this!” said Azmi, referring to reports that Ahmad had quit Umno because his request that his resignation take effect after his daughter’s wedding on May 17 went unheeded.

On a more serious note, Azmi agreed with other constitutional experts that for the time being, the Terengganu administration still remains in the hands of BN. He also agreed that a vote of no confidence is required before any change of government can be made.

“The next logical step is to hold a vote of no confidence at the State Assembly. Such a step is the best because of its transparency.

“Then the Sultan will decide who has the confidence of the House. This is a bit different from Perak because there wasn’t a vote of no confidence there in the first place. That was unlawful.

“In Perak there was no debate in the State Assembly and the Sultan just made his decision (privately). However, if there is a vote of no confidence and these three align themselves with PR, it will be clear that PR will have the majority of the house. These guys become kingmakers,” said Azmi.