Perlis crisis exposes Bersatu’s failure as a governing partner - Shamsul Iskandar
According to Shamsul, the unfolding events in Perlis reflect a pattern of internal discord that has long plagued Bersatu, characterised by resignations, dismissals and leadership uncertainty.
SHAH ALAM – Former Political Secretary to the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin has described the political turmoil in Perlis as a clear case of betrayal, claiming it exposes deep-seated instability within the opposition coalition and raises serious doubts about Bersatu’s viability as a governing partner.
According to Shamsul, the events in Perlis reflect a pattern of internal discord that has long plagued Bersatu, characterised by resignations, dismissals and leadership uncertainty.
“I think the party is in turmoil now,” he said, adding that the steady exodus of leaders and elected representatives has left the public to judge whether Bersatu remains viable as a future political force.
He stressed that continued infighting within the opposition only serves to undermine public confidence, urging the political focus to shift instead towards the governance and delivery of the current administration.
“Let us forget about them and focus on what the government is doing right now,” he said, calling for stronger cooperation among government component parties.
Turning his attention to Pas, Shamsul described the Perlis crisis as a betrayal of political responsibility, particularly given the party’s numerical dominance in the state assembly.
“I would say it is clearly political betrayal,” he said, referring to the leadership reversals and the confusion surrounding the status of several state assemblymen.
He pointed to the Perlis State Assembly Speaker’s initial announcement that three Pas assemblymen had lost their seats, followed by a subsequent "U-turn" as a moment that further eroded public trust.
“If they cannot manage even a state like Perlis, what more the Federal Government?” he questioned.
Political instability in Perlis has laid bare the growing tensions between Pas and Bersatu within Perikatan Nasional (PN).
The crisis escalated in late December 2025 when eight state assemblymen - five from Bersatu and three from Pas - signed statutory declarations withdrawing support for then Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli of Pas.
Shukri resigned on Dec 25, 2025, officially citing health reasons and was replaced three days later by Bersatu’s Kuala Perlis assemblyman, Abu Bakar Hamzah.
The move was widely interpreted as Bersatu asserting greater influence within PN at the expense of Pas.
Although Pas later sacked the three assemblymen involved, the Speaker announced that no by-elections would be held before the next general election.
The fallout has since spilled onto the national stage, contributing to mounting instability within PN and the eventual resignation of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as coalition Chairman.
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