Perak - A blessing in disguise?

While it might appear that HRH the Sultan of Perak had acted in haste in sacking the Pakatan Rakyat govt. without convening a special session of the state assembly to pass a no-confidence vote, or allowing the legal process to run its course wrt the two assemblymen charged for corruption, what we have seen the last two days should provide encouragement to Pakatan Rakyat.

The rakyat's response in supporting PR, esp. MB Nizar, and their ridicule and contempt at Najib and the turncoats reinforces the growing support for PR after March 08, PP and KT. To see so many supporters showing up in Ipoh and Kuala Kangsar in spite of the heavy police presence, intimidation and violence indicates that the people's support is not waning, but increasing.

For Razaleigh and Mahathir to speak out against the manner of the takeover is also telling. We also saw Zaid Ibrahim in Ipoh together with top blogger RPK providing moral support to the PR govt. Ask around and see how many people will take the side of UMNO/BN on this. There is no prize for the right guess. For fence-sitters, especially Chinese voters, many of whom are disgusted at the behavior of the Jelapang assemblywoman, it will only make their job easier come the next elections.

For PR, only 3 of your assemblypersons defected. More could have done so but didn't. Cut your losses, and pay closer attention to the ones still with you, not just in Perak but in the other states too. You may be back in the opposition (and most people would venture that it will only be short-lived) but you can hold your heads up high for you have earned the utmost respect from a whole lot of people.

And as for the Rulers, the rakyat have indicated their displeasure. Hopefully this would be a good lesson learnt that the wishes of the rakyat should not be so casually ignored.