THE appointment of Kuala Perlis assemblyman Abu Bakar Hamzah of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia as the new Perlis menteri besar has laid bare the internal political turbulence within Perikatan Nasional (PN), exposing rifts that are increasingly difficult for the coalition to conceal.
Reactions from PAS and Bersatu leaders following the appointment have highlighted the growing tension between the two core parties in the alliance, fuelling concerns over the durability of their political cooperation.
Universiti Sains Malaysia political analyst Professor Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said the decision by the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail, must be viewed within the framework of a constitutional monarchy, where the ruler acts as guardian of the state constitution and a stabilising force, particularly when the state legislative assembly is marked by a fragile majority.
According to Sivamurugan, the appointment of Abu Bakar reflects a priority placed on the ability to form a functioning government rather than deference to the dominance of any single political party.
The move carries broader implications for Perlis politics, signalling a shift away from party-centric power struggles towards the imperative of stable and effective governance.
It also suggests a growing fatigue within the political system over prolonged internal conflicts arising from rivalry within the coalition itself.
In the context of PN in Perlis, tensions between PAS and Bersatu are not new. However, the latest appointment has made these disputes more visible and symbolically significant, as they involve the highest executive post in the state administration.
Over the longer term, the Perlis political crisis cannot be seen merely as a change of menteri besar. Instead, it raises more fundamental questions about the future of cooperation between PAS and Bersatu within Perikatan Nasional.
If strategic differences, competition for influence and failures in conflict management continue, the Perlis episode may prove to be an early warning of deeper fractures within the coalition.
Ultimately, the central question is no longer who occupies the menteri besar’s office, but whether PAS and Bersatu can still maintain trust and discipline as coalition partners, or whether Perlis will stand as an early example of the fragility of a political alliance built on temporary compromise. - December 30, 2025
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