PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak urged the people of Perak yesterday to accept the Federal Court's ruling that Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir is the legitimate menteri besar of the state.

"Today's Federal Court's decision means that the saga of the rightful MB of Perak is finally over," he said here after witnessing the signing ceremony for an aluminium smelter project in Sarawak.

"I hope the court's decision means the issue is fully resolved," Najib said. "Therefore it is not relevant for anyone to raise the issue of the legitimacy of the state government anymore. However, the losing party may have a different view, but under our court system, they will have to accept this decision as it is a fact and reality.

"Now, I hope the people of Perak will focus on the development of the state, and not involve themselves in any politicking that may be construed as being disrespectful of the court's decision."

Najib said the time has come to give an opportunity to Zambry and the state government to show their capabilities in leading and developing the state. "When it comes to the next general election, the people can evaluate the government's performance at the ballot box and not protest or march in public, or gather under trees. This is unnecessary. Elections are the right time to show how you feel. Right now we are prioritising serving the people of Perak in the best way possible."

In George Town, DAP secretary-general and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the Federal Court's decision is contrary to the basic democratic principle that a government must be elected by the people.

Expressing DAP's disappointment over the ruling, Lim reiterated his call for fresh state polls to be held.

"Any government that does not derive any directly elected mandate not only violates the democratic principle of people's power but also questions the legitimacy of a people-centric government of the people, by the people and for the people.

"Whatever claims the Barisan Nasional and Zambry may make over the state government of Perak, there is no denying the fact that both were not democratically elected by the people of Perak in the 2008 general election," Lim said in a statement.