It’s official: Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin presenting the credentials of the Perlis Mentri Besar to Abu Bakar at the inauguration and swearing-in ceremony. — Bernama
ARAU: The Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail has called for all speculation, allegations and undesirable matters be put to an end following the appointment of Kuala Perlis assemblyman Abu Bakar Hamzah as the new Mentri Besar.
His Royal Highness said the appointment of a mentri besar is usually held once every five years but this time, it was slightly different as the incumbent had resigned due to health reasons.
“Various speculations and allegations, accusations and undesirable matters have occurred and been mentioned.
“I hope that after this, all such matters will be stopped for the good of the state,” Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin said during the swearing-in ceremony held at Bilik Hijau, Istana Arau here yesterday, Bernama reported.
Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin said the decision to appoint Abu Bakar was made after careful consideration, taking into account the views of the state elected representatives.
In this regard, the Ruler urged all assemblymen to accept the decision for the benefit of the people and the future development of the state.
“Most of the assemblymen have informed me that they leave it to me to make the choice.
“I asked them earlier if there was any rift between PAS and Bersatu, and how it could be rectified so that both parties can work together. Everyone has accepted the reality that (they) must cooperate for the interests of the state and the people,” His Royal Highness said.
Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin also expressed appreciation to Mohd Shukri Ramli for having served as the mentri besar for the past three years.
The appointment followed the voluntary resignation of Mohd Shukri, who is also Sanglang assemblyman, on Thursday.
Earlier, Perlis legislative assembly Speaker Rus’sele Eizan also announced casual vacancies for the Chuping, Bintong and Guar Sanji seats, in accordance with Clause (1)(a)(ii) of Article 50A of the Constitution of the state of Perlis. The vacancies occurred after PAS terminated the membership of its three assemblymen – Saad Seman (Chuping), Fakhrul Anwar Ismail (Bintong) and Mohd Ridzuan Hashim (Guar Sanji) – following their move to withdraw support for Mohd Shukri.
In the 15th General Election, Perikatan won 14 of the 15 seats.
Meanwhile, Abu Bakar has pledged to maintain unity among Perikatan state assemblymen.
The Kuala Perlis assemblyman welcomed the decree from the Raja of Perlis, urging all Perikatan assemblymen to unite and collaborate for the well-being of the state and its people.
“There is no question of whether PAS or Bersatu is superior. What is important is that I call upon all state civil servants and residents to pray that Perlis’ development will be on par with that of other states.
“Politically, we will remain within the Perikatan team.
“PAS and Bersatu are one family, any disputes will be resolved soon.
“I sincerely hope Perikatan relations will remain strong until the end of the term,” he told reporters after the ceremony.
Abu Bakar also said he would continue current policies and maintain good ties with the Federal Government to ensure Perlis receives backing for its continued development.
On the state executive council line-up, he said minor reshuffles will be undertaken and that the portfolio distribution will be balanced.
“I express my utmost gratitude to the Raja of Perlis for entrusting me with this great responsibility to lead the state government,” he said.
