PKR to defy Agong says Johari Abdul

(TMI) - PKR stressed today that the Black 505 rallies will go on to show the people’s disapproval towards the Election Commission (EC), and are not meant as a sign of disrespect against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

The rallies will continue to protest against alleged electoral fraud during Election 2013, despite calls by the King, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, who wants the people of this country to accept the results of the 13th general election (GE13) which they themselves have determined. 

“The reason why we gather is to state our dissatisfaction towards the EC’s action, there is no intention to disrespect Your Highness,” PKR’s Datuk Johari Abdul told The Malaysian Insider through a phone call here.

“That is why every time we end our gatherings, we would sing “Negaraku” to show our obedience and loyalty towards Your Highness,” said the rally’s programme director, referring to the national anthem. 

Johari explained that the rallies will continue until the chairman, deputy chairman, and every member of the EC that were elected by the King himself resign. 

“As a leader, I “menjunjung kasih” (honour with love) Your Highness’ advice. However, the citizens under Your Highness ask to inform Your Highness that there is clear fraud that was done by the EC,” he said. 

Last night, Tuanku Abdul Halim said that any political change in the country must be done in a peaceful manner, through the ballot box guided by the principles of the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law. 

“If there are differences of opinion, use the channels to resolve them as outlined in the Federal Constitution and the country’s laws,” Tuanku Abdul Halim said in conjunction with the official birthday of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong today in his speech that was carried live by RTM last night. 

The King said: “The act of casting doubts on an institution that has been entrusted under the Federal Constitution to conduct the general elections in this country is very dangerous and might only cause a never-ending conflict. 

“Don’t we ever weaken and destroy our constitutional monarchy system, parliamentary democracy and federal philosophy which all this while have formed the basic ingredients for Malaysia’s success.” 

Earlier this week, Johari had said that the rallies will continue next month and be held every week until all PKR’s demands are met. 

This comes even as Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders and analysts criticised the rallies and called for Pakatan Rakyat (PR) to accept the results and move on towards nation building efforts instead.