KANGAR: While the Kedah government remains stable following the PAS-Bersatu break up, the political situation in Perlis is said to be fluid.
This is because the Bersatu-led Perikatan Nasional government in Perlis does not command a simple majority in the state assembly without the support of PAS assemblymen, say observers.
They pointed out that while Mentri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah is from Bersatu, the party has only five seats while PAS has six in the 15-seat legislative assembly.
If Perlis PAS withdraws support, it could trigger a snap election, they said.
Asked on the party’s latest decision, a source in Perlis PAS said they are waiting for instructions from the central leadership.
“None of us are discussing the matter. We don’t know how to approach it, so we will leave it to our top leadership,” he said.
An assemblyman who declined to be named is hoping that the situation remains status quo in Perlis.
“I think it is best to heed the call by Tuanku Raja Perlis to allow Abu Bakar to remain as Mentri Besar until the end of the state assembly’s term,” he said.
In his royal address when opening the 15th Perlis state assembly on June 3, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail had called for Abu Bakar to lead the state administration until the current term ends next year, to preserve political stability so that development plans can proceed without disruption.
Abu Bakar was sworn into office Dec 25 last year following the resignation of Mohd Shukri of PAS, ascribing health reasons as his decision to resign.
Mohd Shukri, when contacted, said he will abide by any instruction from his party’s central leadership.
In ALOR SETAR, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said the state government remains stable despite PAS ending its political cooperation with Bersatu.
He said no changes would be made to the state administration as long as the two Bersatu assemblymen continued supporting the state government.
The two Bersatu exco members would continue carrying out their duties as usual, he added.
“The state administration is operating as usual with the existing exco line-up,” Muhammad Sanusi said.
The two Bersatu exco members are Bukit Kayu Hitam assemblyman Datuk Halimaton Shaadiah Saad, who oversees welfare, women, family and community affairs and unity, and Kubang Rotan assemblyman Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin, who heads the tourism, culture and entrepreneurship portfolio.
Muhammad Sanusi said Bersatu representatives holding positions in the state administration, including local council members and village development and security committee members, would continue serving until any new decision was made.
In Kelantan, Bersatu holds five seats in the 45-member state assembly, while in Terengganu, the party has five representatives in the 32-seat assembly.
