PAS treasurer Iskandar Abdul Samad has left it to the public to interpret his social media posts about “betrayal” and “revealing true colours”. The remarks followed the swearing-in of Bersatu’s Abu Bakar Hamzah as the new Perlis menteri besar.
Abu Bakar took his oath before the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, replacing Shukri Ramli from PAS who resigned last Thursday citing health reasons.
Iskandar’s Social Media Post
Shortly after the ceremony, Iskandar posted: “I am not sad but glad because now we know their true colours. Betrayal must not go unpunished.” He did not name any individual, party, or event.
When contacted, Iskandar described the statement as general and not targeted at anyone specific.
No Direct Comment on Perlis
He said the post could refer to something else and allowed speculation to continue. Iskandar declined further comment on Perlis developments.
He referred official statements to PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan.
Other PAS Leaders’ Remarks
Several PAS leaders shared messages on friendship without directly linking them to Perlis or Bersatu ties. PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari posted cryptically: “A friend who backstabs another has chosen to become an enemy.”
PAS central information committee member Nurul Islam Yusoff noted that maintaining loyalty and friendship is difficult for Bersatu, quoting PAS vice-president Amar Abdullah.
Background to the Crisis
Abu Bakar’s appointment follows a political crisis in Perlis. Eight Perikatan Nasional assemblymen reportedly submitted statutory declarations withdrawing support for Shukri.
Three PAS assemblymen – Saad Seman (Chuping), Fakhrul Anwar Ismail (Bintong), and Ridzuan Hashim (Guar Sanji) – had their memberships terminated and seats declared vacant.
Bersatu Assemblymen Involved
The five Bersatu assemblymen who reportedly submitted statutory declarations include Abu Bakar (Kuala Perlis), Izizam Ibrahim (Titi Tinggi), Megat Hashirat Hassan (Pauh), Wan Zikri Afthar Ishak (Tambun Tulang), and Marzita Mansor (Sena).
