‘Muhyiddin failed to call PN meeting during Perlis crisis’ – Wan Saiful

SHAH ALAM - Tasek Gelugor MP Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan has questioned the actions of Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who reportedly did not convene a Perikatan Nasional (PN) meeting to decide on a Menteri Besar candidate representing the coalition, nor to discuss the turmoil in the Perlis state government.

Wan Saiful said as a result, Bersatu and Pas submitted their proposed Menteri Besar candidates to the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail in separate letters.

He said Muhyiddin, as the PN chairman, should have immediately called a meeting upon learning of the situation in Perlis.

Wan Saiful claimed that Muhyiddin’s failure to do so had a significantly negative impact on PN, to the extent that some parties suggested Pas leave PN and revive Muafakat Nasional (MN).

“I stress that what happened is a symbol of Muhyiddin’s failure as PN chairman and he must be held accountable.

“Until today, Muhyiddin has not called a meeting, as if he doesn’t care about what’s happening. He’s probably enjoying himself in England,” he said in a Facebook post on Monday.

The political crisis in Perlis began after five Bersatu assemblymen along with three Pas assemblymen reportedly submitted statutory declarations (SDs) to the palace to replace Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli.

On Dec 26, Bersatu submitted three names for the Menteri Besar position: Kuala Perlis assemblyman Abu Bakar Hamzah; Megat Hashirat Hassan (Pauh); and Izizam Ibrahim (Titi Tinggi).

Pas then submitted two names after Bersatu had done the same.

This move followed Shukri’s voluntary resignation as Menteri Besar on Dec 25 due to health reasons.

The crisis was resolved when Bersatu's assemblyman for Kuala Perlis, Abu Bakar Hamzah, was sworn in as the ninth Menteri Besar Perlis on Sunday.

Wan Saiful also said Muhyiddin’s weaknesses had been apparent to many since last year.

He said PN had previously revealed that since December 2024, Pas had sent letters to Muhyiddin suggesting significant improvements for PN.

However, he said, no action was taken despite the identified weaknesses.

“In my view, suggestions by some parties for Pas to leave PN are not right. It’s awkward when we talk about uniting the ummah but then choose a path that breaks the existing unity.

“A better approach would be for Pas to take over the PN chairmanship and implement the proposed improvements,” he said.

Wan Saiful added that other components, such as Gerakan, must accept Pas as PN chairman with an open heart.

“I am aware that there are concerns among non-Malay PN component parties. But if properly organised, it can be managed. We must remember, Pas is not a childish party and they know what needs to be done.

“After that, carry out what is necessary to revive MN so that all parties, including non-political bodies can unite under the same agenda. That is true unity,” he said.

Wan Saiful said the proposal for Pas to take over the PN chairmanship was raised more than a year ago but was shelved without any action.

“I hope Pas does not continue with this approach. The change should have been implemented earlier.

“Perhaps the Perlis crisis could have been avoided, because Pas’ consultative culture is far better than the ‘I have the power to give orders’ approach practiced by Muhyiddin over the past year or two,” Wan Saiful said.