KANGAR: The suspension of Mentri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah from Bersatu has been linked to his alleged “close” ties with the rival party Parti Wawasan Negara (Wawasan), say sources.
Sources familiar with political developments in Perlis said Abu Bakar had been seen in public with Wawasan president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, raising questions about the Mentri Besar’s political allegiance.
Photographs are circulating on social media showing Abu Bakar seated at the same table as Hamzah in public places a few times in recent months.
A politician who declined to be named said Abu Bakar’s suspension could inadvertently give him greater room to manoeuvre politically.
He said Abu Bakar had previously resigned from Bersatu’s supreme leadership council but remained a party member.
“By suspending him, Bersatu could have fallen into a trap and given Abu Bakar a reason to move closer to Wawasan,” the politician said.
Bersatu has suspended the Perlis Mentri Besar’s membership for two-party elections, effective Oct 13.
According to the letter, the Bersatu disciplinary board decided to suspend Abu Bakar following allegations of breaching Clause 9.1.4 of the party constitution.
He was also stripped of all party posts but can still appeal against the decision.
Earlier, Perlis Bersatu chief Izizam Ibrahim said the suspension barred Abu Bakar from holding any party position, including the Kangar division chief post.
“As for his position as Mentri Besar, as a gentleman politician, he should let it go.
Nevertheless, I will wait for instructions from the central leadership,” said Izizam.
Perlis has 15 state assembly seats, three of which – Chuping, Bintong and Guar Sanji – remain vacant following the removal of three PAS assemblymen.
The remaining seats are held by six PAS assemblymen, five Bersatu assemblymen, and one PKR assemblyman.
State Assembly Speaker Rus’sele Eizan said the six PAS assemblymen’s stance would be crucial to Abu Bakar’s position.
Their support could determine whether he continues to command a majority in the state assembly.
Rus’sele said the state administration was continuing as usual, as he had yet to receive official notification on the matter.
Meanwhile, Gan Ay Ling, who is the state Opposition leader, expects Abu Bakar to remain as Mentri Besar, adding that his suspension from Bersatu would not automatically cost him the post.
The political crisis in Perlis began in December 2025, when eight Perikatan assemblymen – five from Bersatu and three from PAS – withdrew their support for then mentri besar Mohd Shukri Ramli.
Mohd Shukri resigned on Dec 25, citing health reasons, and Abu Bakar was sworn in as his successor on Dec 28.
