Kuala Perlis assemblyman Abu Bakar Hamzah has been sworn in as the 12th menteri besar of Perlis. He took over from Sanglang assemblyman Shukri Ramli, who resigned on Thursday citing health reasons.
Abu Bakar, from Bersatu, took his oath before the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, at Istana Arau around 4pm today.
Political Crisis Precedes Appointment
His appointment follows a political crisis in Perlis. Eight Perikatan Nasional assemblymen reportedly submitted statutory declarations to the ruler, withdrawing support for Shukri from PAS.
This triggered turmoil within the coalition.
PAS Assemblymen Lose Membership
Three PAS assemblymen – Saad Seman (Chuping), Fakhrul Anwar Ismail (Bintong), and Ridzuan Hashim (Guar Sanji) – had their party memberships terminated. Their seats were declared vacant.
Perlis assembly speaker Rus’sele Eizan notified the Election Commission accordingly.
Bersatu Assemblymen’s Role
Five Bersatu assemblymen also submitted statutory declarations. They include Abu Bakar (Kuala Perlis), Izizam Ibrahim (Titi Tinggi), Megat Hashirat Hassan (Pauh), Wan Zikri Afthar Ishak (Tambun Tulang), and Marzita Mansor (Sena).
Current Seat Distribution
In the 15th general election, Perikatan Nasional won 14 of 15 state seats – nine by PAS and five by Bersatu. Pakatan Harapan, through PKR, took the remaining seat.
With the three PAS seats now vacant, the lineup stands at six PAS, five Bersatu, and one PH.
