KANGAR: The uncertainty over who will take over as Perlis mentri besar was answered quickly as it unfolded with Bersatu assuming the position within 72 hours.
A letter came at almost midnight on Saturday from the state government, announcing that a swearing-in ceremony of a new mentri besar would take place at Istana Arau.
With just two names submitted by Perikatan Nasional – one from PAS and another from Bersatu – all eyes were on whether PAS would get a second shot at the post.
Political observers were left guessing until the very end as the letter from the state secretary office came with a “sulit” label plus an embargo instruction until after the installation.
Among the excerpt – the official letter did not mention the name of the new MB to be sworn-in, his party or other giveaway details.
Questions were still lingering among scores of reporters who rushed to the palace at the stroke of dawn, eagerly awaiting for the arrival of the new state leader.
While standing by, some the queries on their mind are who could be chosen? Could a snap state election be avoided? Can the smallest state in the country avoid a political upheaval?
The installation ceremony was scheduled at 1pm yesterday but for some reasons, it dragged on for a few more hours.
And finally, slightly after 4pm, the tussle for the leadership of the state was put to rest.
Kuala Perlis assemblyman Abu Bakar Hamzah (pic) from Bersatu was sworn in, taking over from embattled PAS’ Sanglang assemblyman Mohd Shukri Ramli, who resigned on Thursday, citing health reasons.
The most notable aspect of the new MB is that he is from Bersatu.
In the last state election, Perikatan bagged 14 out of the 15 seats with PAS winning nine seats, Bersatu (five) and Pakatan Harapan (one).
Pakatan’s sole chair was PKR’s Gan Ay Ling, who earned her steel among Chinese-majority voters in the Indera Kayangan state seat.
The political pendulum in Perlis has swung.
A new leader is now at the helm from a different party but under the same coalition.
“It is not the most comfortable position but he is present by virtue of Malaysia’s long-established Constitution.
“If we look at the unique style of Malaysian governance, we must accept this and keep the peace,” said a political observer.
