Perlis Political Impasse Resolved With Appointment Of Abu Bakar As New MB
ARAU, Dec 28 (Bernama) -- Political uncertainty that has affected Perlis over the past few days eased today with the appointment of Kuala Perlis assemblyman Abu Bakar Hamzah from Bersatu as the new Menteri Besar.
Abu Bakar, 57, was sworn in as the 9th Menteri Besar of Perlis, at Bilik Hijau, Istana Arau here, before the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, at 4.04 pm today.
The appointment of Abu Bakar also put an end to various speculations surrounding the choice of candidate for the post following the resignation of PAS's Sanglang assemblyman Mohd Shukri Ramli on Dec 25 due to health reasons, with his resignation letter presented to the Perlis Ruler at noon on the same day.
Previously, Abu Bakar, who is also Perlis Perikatan Nasional (PN) deputy chairman and Perlis Bersatu chief, was appointed as State Executive Councillor (Exco) for Tourism, Arts and Culture as well as Rural Development following a reshuffle in November last year.
In that reshuffle, Abu Bakar was among three assemblymen appointed as new Exco members, replacing two incumbent Exco members who were dropped.
At the ceremony, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin called for all speculation, accusations and undesirable matters be stopped following the appointment of the new Menteri Besar.
His Royal Highness also said that the decision to appoint Abu Bakar was made after careful consideration and taking into account the views of the elected representatives in Perlis, adding that all state assemblymen were expected to accept the decision for the benefit of the people and the future development of Perlis.
At the same time, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin urged PN state assemblymen in Perlis to reunite and work together as a team for the interests of the state and its people.
Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Abu Bakar Hamzah said he was determined to maintain consensus among PN assemblymen in Perlis and to put an end to any disputes in the near future.
He also welcomed the Raja of Perlis’ decree for all PN assemblymen in the state to close ranks in the interests of the state and its people, while expressing his commitment to continue existing policies and maintain good relations with the Federal Government.
In the 15th General Election (GE15), PN (made up of PAS, Bersatu and Gerakan) won 14 seats in the Perlis State Legislative Assembly, comprising nine PAS assemblymen and five Bersatu assemblymen, while Pakatan Harapan (PH), through PKR, secured one seat (Indera Kayangan).
However, PAS now has only six assemblymen remaining after three of its assemblymen, namely Saad Seman (Chuping), Fakhrul Anwar Ismail (Bintong) and Mohd Ridzuan Hashim (Guar Sanji) lost their positions as elected representatives following the immediate cessation of their PAS membership after withdrawing support for Mohd Shukri.
On Dec 24, PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang said in a media statement that the membership of the three assemblymen had ceased immediately based on Clause 76 and Clause 15A(1)(b) of the PAS Constitution (Amendment 2025), triggering political turmoil in the state.
-- BERNAMA
