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Friday May 8, 2009

Havoc at the Perak assembly


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Chaos at Perak Assembly sitting

IPOH: The Perak State Assembly sitting turned ugly with scenes of shoving, scuffling and shouting among elected representatives, reminiscent of Taiwanese parliamentary sessions.

Face-off: Former Sungkai assemblyman Datuk R. Ganesan being confronted by Pakatan Rakyat assemblymen (from left) Thomas Su, Chang Li Kang and A. Sivasubramania m after his election as the Perak State Assembly Speaker. — SAIFUL BAHRI / The S tar

Some of the most shameful scenes in Malaysian politics were seen yesterday as former Pakatan Rakyat Speaker V. Sivakumar suffered the indignity of being dragged out of the House by policemen as assemblymen in full regalia stood on chairs and shouted at each other. On several occasions, they almost came to blows.

Several Barisan Nasional motions were passed during the chaotic proceedings under new Speaker Datuk R. Ganesan, and the only semblance of peace came when a “truce” was called at 3.10pm for the royal address by the Raja Muda of Perak, who was forced to wait for about five hours.

The sitting was adjourned sine die at 4.05pm but the war of words continued with Barisan and Pakatan leaders holding press conferences to attack each other.

Forced to leave: V. Sivakumar caught in a tug-of-war as Pakatan assemblymen (on the left) try to prevent him from being led out by assembly officials. Sivakumar had refused to budge from his seat after Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir tabled a motion to sack him.

Outside, police presence was strong as several Pakatan leaders and supporters were arrested. There were also scuffles when Pakatan leaders were prevented from entering the State Secretariat.

Related Stories:
Showdown over Speaker’s seat in Perak
Home Minister praises cops for keeping the peace
Chaotic day in idyllic Ipoh
Zambry: Police called in to maintain order
Assembly sitting illegal, claims Nizar
Five-hour wait for Raja Nazrin
High Court to rule on who is the rightful Perak MB on Monday
A House in tatters
Umno lawyers defend actions against Sivakumar and passing of four motions

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