Showdown in Perak: Bar calls blockade ‘abuse of power’

(NST) – The emergency meeting of the Perak state assembly called by the speaker should be allowed to proceed as it is in accordance with the state constitution, said the Bar Council.

Its deputy president, Ragunath Kesavan, said there was no need to get the consent of the sultan of Perak in the matter as the last meeting of the assembly was adjourned sine die (adjourned indefinitely).

"Therefore, a blockade is uncalled for and would be an abuse of power.

Ragunath said the lockout was a violation of the principle of separation of powers among the executive, legislature and the judiciary.

"It is also not right for the police to get involved in this matter."

He said the only way to overcome the political impasse in Perak was to go back to the people for a fresh mandate.

"The political skullduggery over the whole issue will not get us anywhere."

Ragunath also hit out at the Perak state assembly secretary for acting beyond his powers by ordering the blockade of the State Secretariat building.

"The assembly secretary has no powers to say that the assembly cannot be held."