Muhyiddin denies Bersatu sabotaging Pas in Perlis

SHAH ALAM – Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin strongly denies that the party was involved in the political crisis that hit Perlis.

He said Bersatu did not play any role in sabotaging Pas in the state and accusations of betrayal were untrue.

“We did nothing. The party and I were not involved in this matter. Many parties in Perlis have admitted that we were not involved.

“When the decision has been made by the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail, we must respect the absolute authority of the Raja,” he said.

Muhyiddin said this after chairing the Bersatu Supreme Leadership Council meeting at the party headquarters in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

The political crisis in Perlis began after five Bersatu assemblymen and three from Pas reportedly submitted statutory declarations to the palace to replace Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli.

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

Pas then submitted two names shortly after Bersatu put forward its nominees.

The move came after Shukri voluntarily resigned as Menteri Besar on Dec 25, the same year, due to health reasons.

The crisis was resolved when Abu Bakar was sworn in as the ninth Menteri Besar on Sunday.

Muhyiddin also said the meeting discussed his resignation as Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman.

He added that the reasons behind his decision had been explained in detail to the members involved.

“Various opinions were shared and I respected them, but the final decision rested with me. However, when the PN meeting is held, the matter will be decided and finalised.

“I will not explain further until the PN meeting takes place. The date is unknown, perhaps soon.

“I understand that the PN deputy secretary-general will issue a letter regarding this meeting,” he said.