PARTI Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has strongly rejected claims that Bersatu played any role in the political crisis that unfolded in Perlis, dismissing accusations that the party betrayed or sabotaged its coalition partner PAS.
Muhyiddin stated that Bersatu was not involved in the manoeuvres that led to the resignation of former PAS Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli, describing allegations that labelled the party as traitors as completely baseless.
“We did nothing. My party and I were not involved in this matter. Many parties in Perlis admitted that we were not involved.
“Whenever a decision has been made by the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail, we must respect the absolute authority of the Raja of Perlis,” he said.
He made the remarks after chairing a Bersatu Supreme Leadership Council meeting at the party’s headquarters in Petaling Jaya on Wednesday.
Muhyiddin added that he had been briefed by the current Menteri Besar of Perlis, Abu Bakar Hamzah, during the Bersatu Supreme Leadership Council meeting, and that state leaders had confirmed that Bersatu was not involved in undermining PAS.
“We categorically deny if anyone accuses Bersatu of being involved. Bersatu was not involved. Once the decision has been made by the Raja of Perlis (Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail), that is his absolute authority which must be respected.
“Bersatu did not play a role, did not sabotage PAS, that simply did not happen.
“We strongly reject anyone claiming we are traitors. No, we have no connection, and I personally was not involved in this matter,” he told reporters after the meeting last night.
The political crisis in Perlis erupted after eight state assemblymen, five from Bersatu and three from PAS, were reported to have withdrawn support for Mohd Shukri, who later resigned citing health reasons.
PAS leaders subsequently described the move as a betrayal by Bersatu, accusing its coalition partner in Perikatan Nasional of undermining PAS and triggering tensions within the alliance.
Following Mohd Shukri’s resignation on December 25, Bersatu submitted three names to the Palace as potential candidates for the Menteri Besar position: Kuala Perlis assemblyman Abu Bakar Hamzah, Megat Hashirat Hassan of Pauh, and Izizam Ibrahim of Titi Tinggi. PAS later submitted two names of its own.
The crisis was resolved when Abu Bakar Hamzah, a Bersatu assemblyman from Kuala Perlis, was sworn in as the ninth Menteri Besar of Perlis on Sunday.
Separately, Muhyiddin said one of the key issues discussed at the Bersatu leadership meeting was his decision to resign as chairman of Perikatan Nasional, which he announced on December 30 and which took effect on January 1.
He explained that he had already detailed the reasons behind his decision to party leaders.
“There are various views, and I respect them, but the decision is ultimately mine. Whatever it is, when the meeting convenes, the matter will be decided and finalised.
“I won’t explain until the Perikatan meeting is held later. The date is unknown; it may be in the near future.
“I heard that the Perikatan Deputy Secretary-General will issue a letter for this meeting,” he said.
In a separate comment after chairing the Bersatu Supreme Leadership Council meeting, Muhyiddin reiterated that his resignation would be discussed and decided conclusively at the Perikatan Nasional Supreme Council meeting.
“I have explained in detail the reasons and background that led me to make this decision. There are various views, and I hope the Supreme Council respects my decision.
“In any case, when the Perikatan Supreme Council meeting convenes, the matter will be discussed and decided conclusively,” he said.
The Bersatu meeting lasted almost three hours and was attended by senior party leaders, including deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin. - January 13, 2026
