Lim Kit Siang clears the air over Perak statement

As reported by Malaysiakini:

The crisis which developed yesterday over the appointment of a PAS menteri besar in a DAP-led Perak state assembly seemed to have been resolved today.

DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang who rejected the appointment of a PAS candidate today apologised for any offence caused to the Perak royalty over his statement.

“My three-paragraph statement at 7pm last night that the DAP central executive committee emergency meeting on March 9 had not given approval for a PAS mentri besar to head a Perak coalition state government was not made out of disrespect to the Perak sultan and regent, both whom I have always held in the highest regard and I apologise for any offence caused," he said.

“The statement was on the party position at the time. There have been further discussions and developments on the matter in the hours after the statement. Announcements of the latest position will be made.”

Full article: Malaysiakini.com

I was amazed at a few things.

The Star was quick to report that there was a mutiny of sorts in DAP over Lim Kit Siang's orders for the DAP assemblymen to boycott the swearing in ceremony. As I predicted, Lim's statement became fodder for the pro-government media to heap dirt on the opposition even before they have a chance to prove their mantle at leading the state of Perak.

MCA's Ong Ka Chuan had something to say too:

DAP has cheated its voters as a PAS state assemblyman will be sworn in as the Perak mentri besar today, Perak MCA chief Datuk Ong Ka Chuan said.

Ong, who is also the MCA secretary-general, said DAP should apologise to its voters, saying it was sad to hear that Perak PAS secretary Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin will be the mentri besar.

He said Mohammad's appointment went against the wishes of voters, especially non-Muslims.

“Having a mentri besar from PAS creates fear among non-Muslims. This also creates political instability.”

Article: The Star.

When the BN was leading, the Chief Minister's post was held by a non-Chinese. Why make it an issue now? Playing on the race and religion card was what made the people angry at BN and having politicians drumming up the same things after the election would not help the cause of BN to win over support.

Some things never change and some people never learn.

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Perak Chief Minister is PAS man

The cat has been let out the bag and the Perak Chief Minister (CM) is PAS man Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin. But it was a bitter pill for DAP to swallow as Uncle Lim called all the DAP assemblymen to boycott the swearing in ceremony.

This will not go down well with the other members (PKR and PAS) of the opposition front. No doubt DAP has every to claim the CM's post by virtue of the number of seat it secured during the 12th General Election but it also said that it would respect and honor any decision made by the Sultan of Perak, Raja Nazrin.

So where is the respect now?

This will be fodder for the pro-government media, who have until now been looking out for any dirt they can throw at the governing opposition front. One thing is for sure, DAP has not lost it's opposition spirit even when it is suppose to govern.

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