Hazlan Zakaria of Malaysiakini was one of the fortunate few who got in the hall to witness the launch of PASOC by LoyarBaca (LoyarBurok’s publishing arm). He reports. (By the way, he is accurate in his report.)
By Hazlan Zakaria
Former Perak Menteri Besar Nizar Jamaluddin today launched the book published by popular (LB: emphasis ours) website Loyarburok.com detailing the events of the notorious BN ouster that saw him and Pakatan Rakyat removed from office.
The book, ‘Perak: A State of Crisis’ is a compilation of articles written by lawyers and activists on the blog, mainly in support of the crusade mounted by Nizar (centre in photo, in black) to restore the Pakatan-led state government after the coup.
It also includes four specially commissioned analyses from experts such as former justice NH Chan and constitutional law expert Shad Saleem Faruki on the constitutional crisis that ensued.
Called the rakyat’s Menteri Besar by the organisers, Nizar did not disappoint as he arrived at the venue at Annexe Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, to a rock star-like welcome from the crowd of Loyarburok.com supporters, who call themselves Loyarburokkers, along with fellow politicians and activists.
Amongst those who showed up in support were former Bar Council president and Bersih 2.0 chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan, Perak DAP chairperson Ngeh Koo Ham (left, in photo) along with the Loyarburok.com crew of legal professionals and the contributors to the book.
Nizar delivered a half-hour long speech on the loss of the Pakatan-led Perak government that he blamed on the machinations of the BN, who “kidnapped” three Pakatan representatives and then illegally declared that they thus had the majority that allowed them to form the state government.
Nizar also called into question the Sultan of Perak whom he said knew the laws regarding the issue, lamenting that the monarch had acted contrary to a book on constitutional monarchy that he himself had stipulated, and had presented to Nizar when he first came into office.
His speech received thunderous applause and kept the crowd rapt in attention.
The PAS politician’s rock star magnetism even derailed a forum that was next on the programme, as visitors flocked around the former MB to get his autograph on freshly purchased copies of the book.
The event included readings by Loyarburok.com supporters and contributors of excepts from the book, interspersed with lighthearted entertainment including two songs by a lawyer and a five-minute performance art piece by local artist Chi Too.
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