Analysts have warned that the ongoing leadership crisis in Perlis could deepen strains between PAS and Bersatu within Perikatan Nasional (PN).
The issue revolves around doubts over Menteri Besar Shukri Ramli’s majority support. Eight PN assemblymen have reportedly withdrawn their backing.
Differing Responses from PAS and Bersatu
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Mazlan Ali noted that PAS has terminated the memberships of three assemblymen for retracting support. These members allegedly joined five from Bersatu in the move. Bersatu, however, has taken no disciplinary action against its representatives.
Mazlan highlighted that PAS appears to oppose the withdrawal while Bersatu seems to accept it. This difference suggests potential problems between the PN partners. He pointed to recent clashes over PN’s poster boy for the next general election.
Broader Coalition Challenges
In Sabah, PAS supported Hajiji Noor’s government despite PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin’s call to remain in opposition. Mazlan questioned whether the Perlis issue would escalate to the central leadership. Failure to resolve it could lead to bigger troubles.
PAS Urges Continued Support for Shukri
Perlis PAS chief Ahmad Ali unexpectedly called on members and supporters to keep backing Shukri as menteri besar. The statement came last Friday without initial context. It followed reports of statutory declarations sent to the Raja of Perlis.
PN controls 14 of the 15 seats in the Perlis state assembly, with PKR holding the lone remaining seat. Losing eight assemblymen’s support would strip Shukri of his majority. This development has raised serious questions about stability.
Doubts Over PN’s Federal Ambitions
Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri from Global Asia Consulting questioned PN’s readiness to govern federally. He asked how the coalition could lead the country amid such disarray in Perlis. Instability might drive investors away.
Such uncertainty could affect national confidence in PN. Ahmad Zaharuddin said voters must decide if they accept these political manoeuvres. The crisis underscores challenges to the opposition’s unity and credibility.
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