Power struggle in Malaysian state

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7920468.stm

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Opposition lawmakers in northern Malaysia held a meeting under a tree after riot police blocked them from entering the state parliament building.

Calling their meeting a legitimate emergency sitting, the 28 legislators passed several motions, including a call for new elections in the state.

With about 100 supporters, they had earlier scuffled with riot police who barred their entry to parliament.

The leadership of Perak has been in chaos since early February.

Analysts said the crisis was indicative of growing antipathy between the coalition government of the Barisan Nasional (National Front) and the opposition alliance named Pakatan Rakyat.

The National Front has controlled Malaysia for more than 50 years.

But the Pakatan Rakyat alliance won an unprecedented five of Malaysia's 13 states in general elections last year, in a dramatic shift in the balance of power.

'Sad day'

One of the states won by the opposition last year was Perak. But earlier this year, four lawmakers defected, apparently handing the state back to government control.

The National Front called on the Perak Sultan to confirm their ascendancy, and the deposing of Chief Minister Nizar Jamaluddin.

Mr Nizar has refused to go quietly, saying only a fresh election could determine who the people of Perak wanted as their leader.

"This is a sad day for democracy when the lawful state assembly has to convene under an angsana tree," Mr Nizar told AFP news agency after he and other lawmakers were chased away from the state assembly building by police and pro-government supporters.

He called for parliament to be dissolved, warning of further political instability in the state if this did not happen.