Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe by Email Not sure where this NGOs came from, but I guess not aligned to BN as they are calling for elections, and with just 15,000 signatures can’t claim to speak for all Perakians. The statements from them seems to be challenging the Sultan. Sounds like they saying the palace doesn’t have the plight of the rakyat in mind, but something else. One thing for sure, they know that memorandums are just waste of paper and time.
They said the people of Perak may become frustrated with the continued denial of their rights in choosing a state government of their choice, and may spark off a similar situation like what happened in Thailand. Speaking a forum in Ipoh this afternoon, JAMA’IY Negeri Perak (a coalition of Muslim NGOs) assistant secretary Mohd Nazri Sahat said that is not what Perakians want but the “negative possibilities” are there. “This political uncertainty has led to the collapse of the state’s economy, the social structure and state administration and investors are shying away from our silver state. “The Sultan of Perak must take into consideration the plight of his subjects who are suffering economically, emotionally and fearful for their political safety,” he said. “His highness must correct and stabilise this political storm which is slowly destroying the everyday life of every citizen,” he added. Nazri regretted that no action was taken by the palace to address the grievances of the NGOs when they first submitted a memorandum containing 10,000 signatures on Feb 19 calling on the sultan to intervene in the state’s political crisis and find an amicable solution. A similar memorandum of 5,000 signatures was also submitted to the sultan’s secretary on May 6. He said the front of Perak NGOs started with 25 NGOs on Feb 19 and later expanded to 43 consisting of 16 Chinese NGOs and 27 Malay NGOs and today the number has swelled to 50 with seven Indian NGOs joining the force.
Another speaker, Perak Indian Social Network (PINSO) committee member A Tingaran was more direct.
“Enough of giving memorandums and petitions which will not work. An ultimatum must be given with a time frame for the palace and state government to work on it as it is the people who are suffering economically now,” he said. ABIM Perak chairperson and JAMA’IY deputy president Suhaimi Latip said: “Snap election is the best way to solve the political crisis in Perak.” He said the political storm was generated by political parties with the concept of “the end justifies the means.” Gabungan Solidatari Rakyat (Gasra) vice president Jenapala also expressed that submitting memorandums to the sultan will not work and instead called on Perakians to get ready for the next state election.
As of 12.50am today, the Star poll indicates a whopping 92% agreeing to go for fresh elections.
