Malaysiakini announced HERE that Padang Serai parliamentarian N Gobalakrishnan was has been found guilty of obstructing the police in an incident that occured more than eight years ago - in January, 2002. After he was charged at the Georgetown Magistrate's Court in Penang, he was handed down a fine of RM3,000, or in default, a six- month jail term.
According to Malaysiakini:
There is some concern that if he pays the fine without getting a stay of execution first, he could be disqualified as MP and the Election Commission could declare his seat vacant, paving the way for another by-election.
Elected MP two years ago
Gobalakrishnan, a member of PKR's supreme council, said he would nevertheless appeal the decision to the higher courts.
On Jan 29, 2002, he was arrested after questioning the actions of the police in preventing 30 Keadilan (now PKR) supporters from dancing during a Thaipusam celebration in Georgetown.
The police said he had obstructed the police officers concerned from discharging their duties.
Gobalakrishnan was elected MP for Padang Serai in Kedah in 2008 general election.
He was barred from entering Sarawak on Wednesday where he was to help opposition Pakatan Rakyat in the Sibu by-election campaign.
Known as a firebrand and no stranger to controversy, Gobalakrishnan has a number of court cases pending, mostly for alleged illegal assembly.
Let's consider what Gobalakrishnan's offence. He was charged because he questioned the police in preventing 30 Keadilan (now PKR) supporters from dancing during a Thaipusam celebration in Georgetown. So one can get fined for questioning the police and for obstructing them from carrying out their duties. Is such an act considered an offence that merits a RM3000 fine? For any minor offence,the fine should be only RM 300.
Considering the fact that the offence took place in 2002, it has taken the courts eight years to make a decision about the case. And why the delayed response?
One by one PKR MPs seem to be falling down in a precipitated motion like the Domino effect. The grip of the enemy is tightening while PKR's hold on its seats is loosening.
What may happen next?
The Malay Mail reported HERE that Wangsa Maju Member of Parliament, Wee Choo Keong is set to quit Parti Keadilan Rakyat. He has been vocal against Pakatan Rakyat leadership and embroiled in major criticisms against the party's motives and reportedly said that he felt compelled because of principles.
One by one they are falling and it seems that such developments have a tendency to happen just before a by-election polling day. And why?
So, who's next to walk to the exit?
As for the rest of us, I reckon we have been so numbed by such developments that we are either in stupor or busy griping away. Whatever it is, I have blogged many times about the need for PKR to get its house in order. And it had better do so before everything comes a-tumbling down.
Very Sad Najib is already closer to 2/3 majority in the Parliament.