Pas urged to reassess position in PN amid Bersatu’s handling of Perlis crisis

SHAH ALAM – Pas should reassess its position within Perikatan Nasional (PN) if Bersatu fails to show genuine commitment in resolving the political crisis in Perlis, which saw Mohd Shukri Ramli step down as Menteri Besar.

Universiti Malaya Political Science Department senior lecturer Dr Mohammad Tawfiq Yaakub said the situation must also be viewed in light of the strong statements issued by Pas leaders over the crisis.

He said it was impossible for Bersatu’s leadership to be unaware of the turmoil, which led to the actions of five Bersatu assemblymen and three Pas assemblymen who were alleged to have signed statutory declarations to withdraw support for Shukri.

Tawfiq said that based on current developments, Pas might consider ending its cooperation with Bersatu or even removing the party from PN, as Pas also holds rights within the coalition.

“Pas may also choose to form a new political alignment that is viewed as more sincere and principled.

“These are among the possible scenarios if the crisis is not addressed swiftly and in an organised manner.

“The actions of the five Bersatu assemblymen, who were also able to influence three Pas assemblymen until a Pas Menteri Besar lost his position as the state’s chief executive, are difficult to accept,” he said.

Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on Saturday said that no instructions were issued to any Bersatu assemblymen in Perlis to sign any statutory declaration.

Muhyiddin said Bersatu had only submitted the name of its candidate for the Perlis Menteri Besar position after receiving instructions from the Perlis Palace.

Previously, several Pas leaders had urged Bersatu to take appropriate action against the five assemblymen from the party who withdrew support for Shukri, triggering the political crisis in the state.

Meanwhile, when asked whether the appointment of a new Menteri Besar could end the turmoil in Perlis, Tawfiq said such a move would be unlikely to fully resolve the crisis.

“This crisis cannot be settled simply by changing the Menteri Besar because this is only the beginning. If three by-elections take place in Perlis and Bersatu contests them, the political situation will become even more complicated.

“Even if a Bersatu assemblyman is appointed as Menteri Besar to fill the vacancy, Perlis politics will remain at risk of continued instability and disorder,” he said.

He said the best option to end the crisis would be to dissolve the state assembly to pave the way for a state election.