KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 7 — Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Razak was forced today to defend the legitimacy of the new Perak Barisan Nasional government amid widespread public dissatisfaction and the refusal of the state's Pakatan Rakyat administration to resign.
The ugly scenes yesterday where thousands of mainly Malay voters protesting BN's power grab were put down by riot police with tear gas outside the Istana Iskandariah in Kuala Kangsar while Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir was being sworn in as the new menteri besar have severely embarrassed BN leaders and the royalty.
Najib, who has been credited with orchestrating the defection of PR lawmakers which resulted in the change of government, insisted the new state government was formed within the framework of the constitution.
This is despite Datuk Seri Nizar Jamaluddin's insistence that he remained the legitimate menteri besar.
"There is nothing unconstitutional and we were always abiding by the decision of the Sultan. The Sultan has acted in accordance with the constitution," said Najib.
He also condemned PR for what he said was its hypocrisy, arguing that the principle of "party-hopping" was propagated by PR.
"They wanted to topple the federal government by stealing 31 members of Parliament from BN.
"Please ask Pakatan Rakyat why did they start this subject? Weren't they the ones that announced that they wanted to establish a government on Sept 16 last time?"
Najib pleaded for the people to respect the decision made by the Sultan of Perak.
"Nobody should challenge Tuanku's decision because by doing so, you are insulting the institution of the constitutional monarchy.
"The decision has been made by Tuanku regarding the interpretation of the constitution. We hope all parties will respect Tuanku's decision and not question it." - MalaysianInsider
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