Perlis New Order Ruler Calls For Unity Pas Fumes At Betrayal

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Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, has called for Perikatan Nasional assemblypersons in the state to unite and accept his decision to appoint Bersatu's Abu Bakar Hamzah as the new menteri besar.
However, PAS leaders outside the state have been fuming over the outcome and perceived betrayal by Bersatu.
In his royal remarks after Abu Bakar was sworn in yesterday, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin said that he viewed PN as one party, not as two parts of a whole.
"I consider PN as one party, one flag. Accept my decision, because it is the outcome of deep thought for the state's benefit," the ruler decreed.
He added that PN assemblypersons must move as a single unit, and called for all speculation, allegations and undesirable matters be put to an end.
Abu Bakar replaced PAS' Shukri Ramli as menteri besar. Shukri had resigned, citing health reasons, which coincided with an attempted coup led by 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.
From friend to foe
PAS also did not take the news of Abu Bakar's appointment kindly and vented on Facebook yesterday.
Abu Bakar HamzahPAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari took a veiled swipe at Bersatu, saying a friend had decided to become a foe.
PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden lamented how his party had been a loyal friend to Bersatu, giving up so much for the latter, including seats, the chance to be prime minister, as well as the opposition leader.
"But today, that friend (Bersatu) has gone on their own. Feeling that they are great and strong. This loyal friend (PAS) is abandoned just like that.
"It is ok, friend, if you want to go, go. After this, do everything yourself," Afnan said, referring to PAS’ various efforts at helping Bersatu during campaigns, including house-to-house canvassing, putting up flags, polling, and setting up events.
‘True colours’
Separately, PAS vice-president Amar Nik Abdullah made another veiled remark, using the Malay proverb "retak menanti belah" (cracks waiting to split), meaning a matter perceived to be trivial will lead to calamity if not addressed.
PAS treasurer Iskandar Abdul Samad was more blunt in his criticism.
Iskandar Abdul Samad"I am not sad but glad because now we know their true colours. Betrayal must not go unpunished," he said in a post last night.
PAS had previously said it was prepared to take over the reins of PN.
The party has also been accused of supporting efforts to replace Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin with his deputy Hamzah Zainudin, a claim the party denies. - Mkini

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