Defeat in Arau PAS poll a moment of reflection, says Perlis MB

PERLIS Menteri Besar and PAS state commissioner Mohd Shukri Ramli has described his defeat in the Arau PAS divisional election as a moment for personal reflection and a reminder of the balance required between government leadership and party responsibilities.

The Sanglang assemblyman was unseated by incumbent Solahudin Azmi in the contest for the division’s Yang Dipertua (YDP) post for the 2025–2027 term. Solahudin secured 128 votes to Shukri’s 43 from the 173 delegates present at the PAS Perlis Complex on Saturday.

“This is a space for self-reflection, to balance my duties as both a government leader and a party member whom we have all built together,” Shukri said in a Facebook post following the result.

He expressed hope that the newly elected leadership would strengthen the party’s struggle and bolster the position of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government in Perlis, especially with the 16th General Election approaching.

“I sincerely hope that the new PAS Arau leadership will fortify our ranks and assist in strengthening the PN state government in Perlis,” he added.

Despite the setback, Shukri conveyed his confidence in the future of PAS Arau, citing the unyielding spirit within the party’s grassroots.

“Arau will undoubtedly remain strong with solid leadership, further supported by our esteemed figure, Arau Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim—an indefatigable leader who tirelessly drives this struggle forward,” he remarked.

He also extended his appreciation to the Arau PAS leadership for successfully organising the division’s 51st Annual General Meeting “with full discipline and spirit”.

“Today marks the conclusion of a significant and meaningful event for me and all within our Islamic movement, particularly PAS Arau. My highest congratulations and gratitude to all involved.

“May Allah continue to bless all our efforts,” he concluded.

The outcome in Arau followed a series of surprises in PAS divisional elections nationwide, including the retention of leadership in Tapah by Abd Muhaimin despite a recent by-election loss, and the decision by Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar to step down as YDP of PAS Marang.

Yesterday, Shukri suffered another setback in his challenging political career when he was defeated by Ustaz Solahudin Azmi in the PAS Arau division head contest.

The loss sent shockwaves through the country’s smallest state as Shukri has now a questionable grassroot support in the state he leads.

Solahudin, is the incumbent for the division head post whereas Shukri, who is a former school principal, was making his first attempt to win a division post in the state.

Perlis has produced national level leaders over the past five decades; from the late Mentri Besar Tan Sri Dr Abdul Hamid Pawanteh, who was the Dewan Negara Speaker to defacto Law Minister Tan Sri Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad and former Home Minister Tan Sri Azmi Khalid.

There is also the outspoken Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, who was the longest serving state chief executive before he was forced to relinquish his post.

PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Seri Hashim Jasin is also from Perlis.

Shukri will now likely face pressure to clinch on to his state PAS commissioner post, which is an appointed role, while party insiders are speculating that he may be asked to vacate his position as mentri besar when the Islamist party hold their biennial party election later this year.

Insiders shared that Shukri’s loss adds to a range of issues that he has been facing since he became the state leader in the landmark 2022 state election, where PAS won big for the first time in the state’s electoral history.

PAS with its collaboration with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) won 14 out of the 15 state seats leaving PKR’s Gan Ay Ling, as the sole ppposition backbencher in the Indera Kayangan seat.

Shukri is also said to have a lukewarm relationship with other elements of the state leadership.

His loss comes amid previous controversies involving Shukri’s family, notably his son Syafeeq Shukri, who was charged last year by the Malaysian Anti Corruoption Commission (MACC) with submitting a false claim.

In May 2024, Syafeeq pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur to a charge of submitting a false claim amounting to RM19,505.10. – June 22,2025