Perlis sole opposition member tells PAS, Bersatu to quit politicking and serve the people

THE sole Opposition backbencher in the Perlis legislative assembly has called on PAS and Bersatu to focus on serving the electorate instead of politicking, after both parties seemed to be at loggerheads.

Referring to PAS's decision to sever political ties with Bersatu nationally, Pakatan Harapan (PH)'s sole legislative representative, Gan Ay Ling, stated that the state administration should continue to serve Perlis until the end of their electoral term.

This is because the country is now faced with geopolitical pressure made worse by the unabated Middle East conflict, which has disrupted supply chains and caused living costs to skyrocket, said the Indera Kayanan assemblywoman.

Gan, a PKR Wanita leader, who was formerly a Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor, said that ideally, the Bersatu-led government should be allowed to continue until their term ends or if the assembly is dissolved, with all sides agreeable to it.

"Whatever political action is taken, it must take into account the interests of the people," said Gan.

Also, as per the royal advice by the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, the state government led by Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah of Bersatu must be maintained until the end of his term.

There should not be any disruption as the focus is on easing the living cost pressures while trying to grow the economy in a challenging environment, she said.

"The position of the people must be taken into account before making any considerations, including the dissolution of the assembly. Any election now will only involve costs to the taxpayers (people), and development must be prioritised."

Whatever happens between PAS and Bersatu, it is best to remain in the state government administration until the end of the term, said Gan.

The future of the relationship between PAS and Bersatu remains fragile after the Islamist party announced its decision to end its cooperation with Bersatu.

PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang was reported as saying that the decision to end the collaboration was made after a special meeting of the central working committee, with the party now wanting to explore new political ties.

The Perlis assembly has 15 members, of which PAS has six, Bersatu has five, Independents have three, who were previously expelled from PAS, and PH has one through PKR's Gan. - June 11, 2026.