Seditious Statement to the Sultan ; Karpal Singh found guilty

The Chairman of Democratic Action Party (DAP), Karpal Singh have been found guilty by the High Court for sedition after questioning His Royal Highness the Sultan of Perak 's action in removing Dato' Seri Ir Nizar bin Jamaluddin as the Menteri Besar in 2009. Justice Datuk Azman Abdullah set March 7 for sentencing after Karpal Singh counsel who is also his son, Gobind Singh Deo, informed the court that his father is unwell  and needed time to prepare his mitigation.

Karpal Singh, 73, was charged with having said at his legal firm in Jalan Pudu Lama on Feb 6, 2009 that the removal of Dato Seri Ir Mohammad Nizar and the appointment of Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir as the new Menteri Besar by the Sultan could be questioned in court. The charged, under section 4 (1)(b) of the Sedition Act 1948 , provides for a maximum jail term of three years and a fine of RM5,000 or both, upon conviction.

The High Court had, on June 11, 2010 acquitted and discharged Karpal Singh without calling for his defense but, following an appeal by the prosecution, the Court of Appeal, on Jan 20, 2012 ordered the MP of Bukit Gelugor to make his defense. Azman, in his judgement, said the Court found that Karpal Singh's testimony, delivered after seven days, and that of another defence witness had failed to raised a reasonable doubt in the prosecution's case.

Karpal Singh told the reporters that he respected the decision of the High Court, and that he would appeal soon after the court meted out the sentence.

Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sarawak ; Term expired February 28

His Excellency the Yang Dipertua Negeri (Governor) of Sarawak, Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin bin Abang Barieng term will expired on February 28, 2014. The ended of the term was made during the last instrument of appointment from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia last year, which only extended the term for another year. On accounted in the last month of the Governor's services, His Excellency has made a tour all around the State of Sarawak during the Chinese New Year Celebration 2014.

Among of His Excellency last acts as the Head of State was bestowed the State Honorary Medal and awards. During the last investiture ceremony held on last February 13, 2014 was the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. The Deputy Prime Minister received the State Order of Yang Amat Mulia Bintang Kenyalang Sarawak which carries the title of Datuk Patinggi. 

The expiry date of the Yang Dipertua Negeri who is also on the same day as the resignation date of the Chief Minister of Sarawak, Pehin Sri Abdul Taib bin Mahmud had spark a series of speculations of whom shall be appointed as the next Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sarawak, or whether the Pehin Seri himself will be the next Yang Dipertua Negeri. The same event also occur in the past when Tun Abdul Rahman Yaakop who resigned as Chief Minister becoming the State's Governor and his nephew, Abdul Taib Mahmud inherited his position as the Chief Minister of Sarawak.

The State Constitution has stated that the position of the Yang Dipertua Negeri is appointed by His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia after made consultation with the Chief Minister of Sarawak.