Full Breakdown
Political Turmoil in Perlis: Leadership Crisis within Perikatan Nasional
12/30/2025, 9:50:55 PM
Core Event: Leadership Changes Amidst Internal Strife
The political landscape in Perlis has been shaken by a leadership crisis within the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, culminating in the appointment of Abu Bakar Hamzah as the new Menteri Besar following the resignation of Mohd Shukri Ramli. This upheaval has exposed significant rifts between the coalition's key parties, PAS and Bersatu, leading to calls for severing ties and raising questions about the coalition's stability.
Background & Context: The Rise of Internal Conflicts
The crisis began when five assemblymen from Bersatu and three from PAS withdrew their support for Mohd Shukri Ramli, prompting a power struggle within the coalition. Despite holding a strong majority in the state assembly, with PAS commanding nine seats and Bersatu five, the internal disagreements escalated, resulting in disciplinary actions that stripped assemblymen of their party memberships. This turmoil has drawn criticism from opposition leaders, who argue that the PN leadership has prioritized political maneuvering over the welfare of the state.
Key Figures & Groups: The Players in the Crisis
- Abu Bakar Hamzah: Newly appointed Menteri Besar from Bersatu.
- Mohd Shukri Ramli: Former Menteri Besar who resigned on health grounds.
- Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin: Former Prime Minister and PN chairperson, who announced his resignation amid the crisis.
- Noor Amin Ahmad: Perlis PH chairman, who criticized PN's leadership for failing to manage internal conflicts.
Official Statements & Responses
Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin, the Raja of Perlis, stated that the decision to appoint Abu Bakar was made after consulting elected representatives, emphasizing the need for cooperation among parties for the state's welfare. In contrast, Noor Amin Ahmad criticized the PN leadership for failing to address internal disagreements, asserting that the crisis was avoidable and indicative of leadership shortcomings.
Criticism & Opposition: Calls for Action Against Bersatu
The turmoil has led to calls from within PAS to sever ties with Bersatu. Mohamad Ikhwan Afiq Mohamad Anwar, head of the PAS Tasek Gelugor Youth Wing, urged the party's central leadership to take decisive action against Bersatu, citing perceived betrayals at both state and national levels. This sentiment reflects a growing frustration among PAS members regarding the coalition's direction.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps: Discrepancies in Leadership Support
While the leadership crisis has been attributed to internal power struggles, there are conflicting reports regarding the extent of support for the new Menteri Besar. Some sources indicate that assemblymen were willing to accept any candidate, while others suggest significant dissent within PAS regarding the coalition's future direction.
What's Next: Potential By-Elections and Coalition Dynamics
As the political situation evolves, the Perlis state assembly speaker has called for by-elections in the constituencies affected by the recent resignations. This could pave the way for renewed cooperation between Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional, potentially reshaping the political dynamics in Perlis as the coalition navigates its internal challenges.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Most of the state’s assemblymen have informed me that they leave it to me to make the choice, and they are willing to accept anyone.” — Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin, Raja of Perlis
- “The crisis involving Perikatan Nasional (PN) assemblymen in Perlis has highlighted that the party’s leadership prioritises political interests over the welfare of the people and the stability of the state administration,” — Noor Amin Ahmad, Perlis PH Chairman
- “Therefore, on behalf of grassroots members at all levels, the PAS Tasek Gelugor Youth Wing urges PAS central leadership to take firm and comprehensive action to sever ties with Bersatu immediately,” — Mohamad Ikhwan Afiq Mohamad Anwar, PAS Youth Leader
