Karpal indicates he won't sue Perak Sultan - Sun

Karpal Singh talks to journalist at the federal Court, Putrajaya today

PUTRAJAYA (Feb 11, 2009): DAP national chairman Karpal Singh has indicated that he is falling in line with the party and the Pakatan Rakyat's stand not to sue the Sultan of Perak over his decision to ask Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin to step down as mentri besar.

When asked by reporters outside the Palace of Justice today whether he will be taking the Sultan to court, the combative politician replied: "The question does not arise."

His fellow veteran Lim Kit Siang, who was with Karpal, said after a long discussion, they agreed that the most important task now is the upcoming two by-elections for the state seat of Bukit Selambau and the parliamentary seat of Bukit Gantang, which the opposition will go all out to retain.

He said they also agreed that whatever differences they have will be sorted out within the party.

Karpal agreed, saying "there is a bigger task ahead" (referring to the two by-elections).

He however reiterated his stand that it is within the confines of the law to take the Sultan to court, a stand that has got him a lot of flak from various quarters, including Umno.

"Pakatan leaders feel the Sultan should not be sued, although I don't agree with it," he said.

However, he added: "There are other lawyers who will do the necessity because my view is different from others, who have taken over the matter now. That is what Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants. Let it be that way."

Anwar had earlier said that PR would set up a legal panel to study the Perak government issue, and that Karpal's view would be taken into consideration.

This had apparently angered Karpal who felt that even his fellow leaders in the party were not supporting him.

On the demonstration by a group of Umno Youth members on Tuesday near his Pudu office, Karpal said he will not be intimidated as what he is doing is within the law.

He said Umno Youth should stop the demonstration which is illegal. "They hurled abuses at me," he said, adding the placards carried abusive words.

He also said police are looking for him to record a statement and that he will cooperate.