Full Breakdown
Political Turmoil in Perlis: A Power Struggle Within Perikatan Nasional
12/26/2025, 10:41:43 PM
Crisis Overview
The political landscape in Perlis, Malaysia's smallest state, has been shaken by the resignation of Chief Minister Mohd Shukri Ramli from the Islamist Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) and the subsequent sacking of three assemblymen from his party. This upheaval, which unfolded in late December 2025, has exposed deep-seated tensions within the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, primarily composed of PAS and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu).
Key Events Leading to the Crisis
The crisis began on December 22, 2025, when five Bersatu legislators and three from PAS declared their loss of confidence in Mohd Shukri's leadership. This declaration prompted the assembly speaker to announce the vacancies of the three sacked PAS lawmakers—Saad Seman, Fakhrul Anwar Ismail, and Ridzuan Hashim—on December 25. Mohd Shukri, citing health reasons, submitted his resignation to the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, on the same day.
Internal Conflicts and Reactions
The tensions between PAS and Bersatu have been brewing for months, culminating in this public fallout. PAS President Abdul Hadi Awang attributed the crisis to a push for large projects that allegedly did not comply with regulations, hinting at corruption behind the scenes. In response to the dissent, PAS took the unusual step of terminating the memberships of the three assemblymen who sided with Bersatu.
Critics, including Datuk Mahfuz Omar from the National Trust Party (Amanah), have characterized the situation as a failure of governance and discipline within PAS and PN, stating that the internal power struggle has led to a loss of public confidence and stability in the state.
Official Statements and Responses
In a press conference, Mohd Shukri expressed disappointment over the betrayal by the assemblymen, stating, “I did not expect that this friendship would result in me being treated this way.” Meanwhile, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man called for Bersatu to discipline its own dissenting lawmakers to maintain coalition integrity.
Perlis Pakatan Harapan (PH) has expressed support for the existing government, emphasizing the need for stability and respect for the democratic mandate given by the people. PH's statement highlighted that the current government should remain in office to ensure public welfare and prevent political uncertainty.
Criticism and Opposition
The ongoing turmoil has drawn criticism from various quarters. Mahfuz Omar described the conflict as an "open battle" within the state government, asserting that the situation reflects poorly on PAS and PN's ability to govern effectively. He noted that the crisis has persisted despite previous interventions aimed at resolving internal disputes.
What's Next?
Political analysts suggest that a new government could be formed without an election if PAS and Bersatu can reach an agreement on leadership. However, the likelihood of such an agreement remains uncertain, given the current tensions. The situation in Perlis serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges facing coalitions made up solely of Malay political parties, as highlighted by Johor PKR's Fakharuddin Moslim.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I submitted my letter of resignation to the Raja of Perlis at noon today. I leave it fully to his wisdom to consider my wish,” — Mohd Shukri Ramli, Former Chief Minister of Perlis
- “This is a clear portrait of PAS and PN’s failure when entrusted with power without the requisite discipline and governing capability,” — Datuk Mahfuz Omar, Deputy President of Amanah
- “PAS has taken action to discipline the party; now I feel Bersatu should do the same to its assemblymen.” — Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, PAS Deputy President
The political crisis in Perlis underscores the fragility of coalition governance and the internal conflicts that can arise, challenging the stability of state administrations.
