Shahidan denies being 'derhaka'

PETALING JAYA: Arau lawmaker Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim has brushed off allegations that he is being "derhaka" (treasonous) against Perlis Ruler Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail.  

In a Facebook statement on Friday, Shahidan, who is also Perlis Umno liaison chairman, insisted that he is not being treasonous.  

Shahidan instead asked the meaning of the terms used against him.  

“What is the meaning of derhaka? What is the meaning of murka (angry)? I do not understand because they are not mentioned in the laws. What about the rakyat who are angry?  

"We should not use flowery language to scare the people. Why intimidate them with words that we do not understand,” said Shahidan.  

Shahidan, said he on behalf of Barisan Nasional, also appealed to the Perlis Ruler to consider the choice for the state Mentri Besar which has the majority support.  

He, however, did not name the choice of his candidate for the Mentri Besar's post.  

Shahidan said he promised the people of Perlis to fight for their democratic rights, where the party that won in GE14 should be able to administer the state.  

“Pray so I get better to fight the rights of the Perlis people so such problems will not repeat. It should be remembered that the future of Perlis and Malaysians depends on what is being fought now.  

“There is no point in having a general election if the party that won is unable to propose its own Mentri Besar.  

“I apologise to everyone. 'Selamat berpuasa',” wrote Shahidan.  

Earlier, Bernama reported that family members of the Perlis royal family urged Shahidan and the nine Barisan assemblymen who rejected the appointment of Datuk Seri Azlan Man as Mentri Besar to tender an open apology to the Ruler.  

Spokesman Syed Zolkifli Syed Abdul Rahman Jamalullail described the action by the nine Barisan assemblymen who boycotted to the swearing-in ceremony for the Perlis Mentri Besar on Thursday (May 24) as defying the Ruler.  

Syed Zolkifli said the group should apologise as Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin must have felt offended and displeased with their actions, adding it has also caused uneasiness among the people of Perlis.  

A police report was also lodged against Shahidan, following his statement allegedly asking the Ruler not to interfere with the administration of the state.