Kit Siang: Time for Najib to meet PR leaders

Written by Sharon Tan

KUALA LUMPUR: Pakatan Rakyat’s (PR) leadership will be meeting today to discuss a possible meeting with Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Najib Razak, said DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang.

“It is time for Najib to meet with PR leaders to find a solution to the Perak crisis because it concerns not only Perak but it is a national crisis of all institutions — the police, judiciary, Election Commission, MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission) and on the PM’s image and legitimacy,” he said after the From 513 to 1Malaysia, The Future of Malaysian Nation Building forum here last night, which was organised by Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lau Weng San.

Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, who was a panellist at the forum, said there was no solution to the political impasse in the state except through the dissolution of the state assembly.

“The longer the impasse in Perak, the worse it will be for Umno. Umno is like a person with fishbone stuck in the throat,” he said, adding that Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir had not succeeded in having the assembly sitting “under the tree” nullified by the Federal Court.

Nizar accused Umno of practising racism and intimidation. “Umno continues to use May 13 to scare people at every election to ensure that the people dare not change the government,” he told a 3,000-strong crowd.

Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his opening address, said Perak was not a legal issue that could be resolved in court.

“Our (PR) common resolve is to demand a fair and free election in Perak now. The solution is not in the palace or court of law but in the court of the people,” he said.

S'gor MB seeks clarification from Chief Secretary over support of BN

SHAH ALAM: Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim will seek clarification from Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Sidek Hassan on claims of a purported move by Barisan Nasional (BN) to rope in government agencies in a bid to gain an edge over Pakatan Rakyat (PR) in the next general election.

Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lau Weng San today tabled a motion for an emergency debate at the Selangor State Legislative Assembly to discuss the matter.

Speaking to reporters here, Lau said he and several representatives had received copies of presentation slides believed to be held by the Selangor State Development Office (SSDO) with objectives to "topple" the Selangor government.

Lau added the other stated objectives included promoting the credibility of the federal government to improve support from the rakyat as well as to demote the image of Pakatan Rakyat to ensure BN can return to power in Selangor and secure a two-thirds majority in Parliament by the next general election.

According to Lau, the meeting "Pelaksanaan Program People-Centric Negeri Selangor" that was held on Feb 26, also proposed the involvement of the Election Commission and the National Security Council in carrying out the plans.

Lau said the SSDO is a government agency under the Implementation and Coordination Unit (ICU), which in turn is under the purview of the Prime Minister's Department.

"This is an abuse of government agencies for political mileage. It is against the principles of democracy," Lau said.

Lau said the BN is free to carry out their efforts but must not involve government agencies in their campaigns.