Could ripples of discontent still lead to seismic shifts in Perak?

IPOH – Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad’s revelation that there is a plot to topple the state unity government is a significant development that could mark yet another period of instability in the state.

Saarani said there are still forces within the state that are opposed to the cooperation between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN), and they have become more power-hungry after the recent state elections. 

Various reports said the plot is believed to have been hatched by people who were unhappy with Perikatan Nasional's (PN) failure to win in all six states in the August 12 election. 

PN had hoped that by winning all six states, it could show the people’s rejection of the unity government and eventually engineer the collapse of the federal government. 

However, the results of the state polls maintained the status quo, and PN could not wrest three states from the PH-BN pact. 

Saarani said it is important for PH and BN assemblymen to remain united and to work together to ensure the state government remains stable.

The plot also raised questions about PN’s role in the state.

PN has 26 Perak seats, but it has not been a constructive partner in the state: instead, it has been critical of the government and has even called for its dissolution. 

While the plot to topple the unity government is a setback for the PH-BN pact in Perak, it is not a fatal blow, as PH and BN assemblymen have shown that they are willing to work together to overcome challenges.

Speaking at a press conference after meeting 29 out of the 33 assemblymen from BN and PH at Impiana Hotel here today, Saarani said if they remain united, they will weather this storm and continue to serve the people of Perak. 

Those absent were Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming (Kepayang); Loh Sze Yee (Jalong); Datuk Seri Muhammad Nizar Jamaluddin (Sg Rapat) and Muhamad Arafat Varisai Mahamad (Hulu Kinta).

Saarani said he received notices from them that they could not attend, but they pledged their support to his leadership and the state unity government.

“It is in our knowledge that there are such movements…that is why we want to see all the 33 assemblymen so that there will be no suspicion among us.

“I met them all today to listen to their views about this government. We do see things eye-to-eye, and they all showed their loyalty to the state government.”

He added that the plot is also an attempt to undermine the democratic process and destabilise the state government. 

The disclosed plot serves as a stark reminder that the stability of Perak’s unity government remains tenuous. – The Vibes, August 18, 2023