Seek Raja’s forgiveness and then resign, Shahidan and reps told

PADANG BESAR: You can have disagreements between parties but never go against the royalty, says Md Isa Seman.

The Panggas Kecil Umno branch chief said Barisan Nasional assemblyman who defied Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail’s decree should not only apologise to the Raja of Perlis but resign.

“These politicians do not deserve to be representatives of the people of Perlis anymore,” said Md Isa yesterday.

Md Isa, representing all the branch heads in the Chuping state constituency, said that state Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim, who is a representative of the people, could not object to a royal decree.

“These people (assemblymen) are not ordinary people; the people are now very angry, after giving them the mandate, they leave the people in this kind of position,” Md Isa told repor­ters here yesterday.

“Don’t be with us (the people of Perlis) anymore then.”

“If you refuse to apologise to His Royal Highness, then we will take more serious action.

“Do not look down on community leaders like us,” Md Isa said during a gathering here to express his support for Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin.

On Thursday, nine Barisan assemblymen were absent from the inauguration and swearing-in of Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azlan Man, saying he did not command the support of the majority.

The nine assemblymen instead joined Shahidan in Kuala Lumpur at a press con­ference, announcing a proposal to sack Azlan from the party.

The move had upset the monarch, with the Raja of Perlis saying the final decision to appoint the Mentri Besar was under his jurisdiction as it was in accordance with the state constitution.

Present at yesterday’s rally were representatives of non-govern­mental organisations including Persatuan Solidariti Nasional (Persona), Persatuan Perlis Silat Pesaka and representatives of the Siamese community in Chuping.

Persona Perlis chairman Abdul Rahim Ahmad said there were many problems that should first be resolved by Barisan.

Conducting public protests, what more involving a royal institution, should not have been done, he added.

“Administrative affairs should be sorted out and a government formed as soon as possible in Perlis to improve (the current situation) the state is facing.

“The assemblymen have been urged to re-think their actions, and heed His Royal Highness’ decree in order to end this crisis,” he said. — Bernama