Bersatu, PAS leaders expected to meet soon over Perlis MB issue

THE fate of embattled Perlis Mentri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli is expected to be clearer in the next few days as the top leadership of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) and PAS discuss rumblings about unseating him.

Shukri, who was just discharged from a hospital in Kuala Lumpur, and now back to the nation's smallest state, was reportedly part of an attempt by up to eight ruling Perikatan Nasional (PN) backbenchers, who have lost faith in his leadership to oust him.

The eight reportedly comprise of five Bersatu assemblymen and three from the Islamist party.

They have reportedly met the Raja of Perlis to convey their dismay about the conduct of Shukri on matters related to administration and policies.

It is an open secret within the private sector in Perlis that since Shukri, who is the first ever PAS leader was mentri besar of the smallest state, development has largely become stagnant except for national driven projects such as the inland port.

Even the "Visit Perlis Year 24" had no ripple although tourist numbers had increased during the campaign.

Many of Perlis young find themselves seeking better job prospects in neighbouring Kedah or further south in Penang, with a sizeable number residing in Langkawi.

Those who remained in the state, are largely due to family constraints or they are employed in the state or federal civil service.

Meanwhile, Perlis Pakatan Harapan (PH) has expressed its wish for the existing state government to continue in office until the end of its term, citing the importance of stability as the main reason behind their stance.

This is because the current state government was formed based on a clear mandate from the people through a legitimate democratic process.

Perlis PH Youth chief Dr Ahmad Fadhzil Mohamad said the coalition was taking a firm, clear and responsible stance in response to the current political developments in the state.

"PH maintains that the state government formed today is the result of a clear mandate from the people through a legitimate democratic process.

"The strong mandate given by the people must be respected and safeguarded, and should not be used as an opportunity for internal turmoil or power plays that only create public unease and undermine confidence in state administrative institutions," he said in a statement.

He said the stance aimed to maintain state administrative stability, uphold the Royal Institution, and protect the welfare of all people in Perlis.

"PH Perlis will continue to stand with the existing state government, the Royal Institution and the interests of the people to ensure that Perlis is governed peacefully, stably and with dignity until the end of the administrative term.

"Government stability is a key requirement for a small state like Perlis, not only to ensure smooth administration, but also to save public funds, avoid wastage arising from political uncertainty and prevent any erosion of the mandate lawfully given by the people. We are of the view that any internal political turmoil must be stopped."

PH has one representative in Indera Kayangan PKR assemblyperson Gan Ay Ling.

Political analysts whose views were sought, said that there are only 15 state seats in the state legislative assembly, so the prospects of a fresh state election can be considered but it is still costly for a small and rather impoverished state. - December 24, 2025.