Full Breakdown
Political Turmoil in Perlis: A Crisis Within the Perikatan Nasional Alliance
12/27/2025, 4:05:48 AM
Core Event: Resignation and Expulsions Trigger Political Instability
The political landscape in Perlis, Malaysia's smallest state, has been shaken by the resignation of Chief Minister Mohd Shukri Ramli and the expulsion of three assemblymen from his party, Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS). This crisis stems from a loss of confidence among state lawmakers in Shukri's leadership, culminating in a series of events that have exposed deep-seated tensions within the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, which includes PAS and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu).
Background & Context: The Rise of Perikatan Nasional
Perlis, with a population of nearly 300,000 and a legislative assembly of 15 seats, has been governed by the PN coalition since the 2022 General Election, where it won 14 out of 15 seats. The coalition's internal dynamics have been fraught with competition, particularly regarding leadership roles and the selection of a prime ministerial candidate for the upcoming general election in 2028.
Timeline of Events
- December 22, 2025: Eight assemblymen, including members from both PAS and Bersatu, submitted statutory declarations withdrawing support for Mohd Shukri.
- December 25, 2025: Mohd Shukri announced his resignation, citing health reasons, and PAS expelled three dissenting assemblymen: Saad Seman, Fakhrul Anwar Ismail, and Mohd Ridzuan Hashim.
- December 25, 2025: The Speaker of the Perlis State Assembly declared the seats of the expelled assemblymen vacant and indicated a need for by-elections.
Official Statements & Responses
Mohd Shukri expressed disappointment over the actions of the three assemblymen, stating he was blindsided by their withdrawal of support. PAS President Abdul Hadi Awang justified the expulsions, citing the need for party discipline and integrity within the coalition. Meanwhile, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man called for Bersatu to take similar disciplinary actions against its dissenting members.
Criticism & Opposition: Internal Strife and Leadership Challenges
The crisis has drawn criticism from various quarters, including political analysts who argue that the internal power struggle within PAS and Bersatu has escalated beyond mere disagreements. Datuk Mahfuz Omar, deputy president of Amanah, remarked that the situation reflects a failure of PN to maintain cohesion. Fakhrul Anwar, one of the expelled assemblymen, defended his actions by claiming that Shukri's leadership had weakened PAS in Perlis, asserting that a change was necessary.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While PAS maintains that the expulsions were justified under party rules, the assemblymen's legal right to retain their seats under Malaysia's anti-hopping law complicates the situation. This law allows lawmakers who are expelled to keep their seats, creating a potential conflict between religious obligations and constitutional rights.
What's Next: Implications for Governance
The political turmoil in Perlis raises questions about the stability of the PN coalition and its governance in the state. The Speaker's call for by-elections to fill the vacant seats indicates that the crisis may lead to further political maneuvering and potential shifts in power dynamics within the coalition.
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
- “The projects did not follow regulations – that’s wrong.” — Abdul Hadi Awang, PAS President
- “Our actions are right according to our judgment, and wrong for those who hold a different view.” — Fakhrul Anwar Ismail, Expelled Assemblyman
The unfolding events in Perlis not only highlight the fragility of the PN coalition but also serve as a critical test of Malaysia's political landscape as it navigates internal conflicts and governance challenges.
