Pas To Stay In Perlis Govt But Snubs Exco Posts As Top Pn Vacancy Looms

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PAS has announced that it will remain in the Perlis administration, following Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin’s upcoming resignation as the Perikatan Nasional chairperson.
However, the Islamist party’s secretary-general, Takiyuddin Hassan, said PAS assemblypersons will reject positions in the state executive council to be formed by Perlis Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah.
“All existing PAS state exco members will also relinquish their respective positions as a sign of solidarity and in tandem with the resignation of the former menteri besar,” Takiyuddin (above) added in a statement today.
PAS’ stance on the matter comes as tempers cool between PAS and Bersatu after Muhyiddin confirmed that he will be stepping down as PN chairperson, effective Jan 1.
ADSMuhyiddin’s decision appeared to ease the standoff between the two PN component parties, with PAS leaders adopting a softer tone in apologies to the Pagoh MP, as the soon-to-be vacated coalition leader seat lies open for the taking.
Various PAS figures had earlier been up in arms over an attempted Bersatu-led coup, which resulted in PAS losing control of Perlis, with some calling for the revival of the Muafakat Nasional (MN) pact between Umno and PAS.
On Dec 28, Abu Bakar was appointed as the new menteri besar, with the Kuala Perlis assemblyperson replacing PAS’ Shukri Ramli, who resigned as menteri besar due to health reasons.
New Perlis MB Abu Bakar HamzahShukri’s resignation came amid an attempted coup involving Bersatu and three PAS assemblypersons. PAS has since forfeited the trio's party membership and had their seats in the Perlis legislature vacated by the state speaker, Rus’sele Eizan.
Vacancy notices received
Yesterday, Rus’sele confirmed that official notifications on the casual vacancies for Chuping, Bintong, and Guar Sanji were submitted to the Election Commission (EC), while Abu Bakar announced a RM3,000 monthly cut to his salary.
All incoming state exco members will also see a RM1,500 reduction in their monthly salaries.
The three former assemblypersons from PAS were Saad Seman (Chuping), Fakhrul Anwar Ismail (Bintong), and Ridzuan Hashim (Guar Sanji).
Bersatu’s central leadership, however, has denied involvement in any efforts to change the Perlis state government, with its assemblypersons thus far spared from the sort of disciplinary action taken by PAS against its members.
PN secured 14 state seats in Perlis during the 2022 general election, with PAS assemblypersons elected in nine seats while Bersatu figures held five. Pakatan Harapan, through a PKR candidate, won one seat.
Reflect and learn
In his statement today, Takiyuddin further called on all quarters to reflect and take lessons from recent happenings as part of efforts to strengthen public confidence in PN.
ADSPAS, he added, remains committed to always respecting the foundations of the law, democratic principles, the concept of constitutional monarchy, as well as the wisdom of the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, for the well-being of the state and the people.
“PAS also hereby offers its readiness to lead PN for the purpose of strengthening the coalition and preparations for the upcoming state elections and the 16th general election,” the Kota Bharu MP said.
In a statement responding to Muhyiddin’s resignation, PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari had affirmed that the party would submit a candidate to head the coalition, but noted that it might not necessarily be party president Abdul Hadi Awang.
PAS is the major power source for PN. Of the 74 seats the coalition won in the previous general election, PAS holds 43 and Bersatu 31. Seven of the Bersatu seats are in PAS strongholds: Kelantan and Terengganu. - Mkini

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