Perlis Political Turmoil: A Clash of Principles, Says PAS President
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 28 — The political upheaval in Perlis is fundamentally a battle between unwavering principles and the pursuit of personal ambition, according to PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang. He has alleged that the current crisis stems from demands for positions and pressure to approve significant projects that deviate from established regulations and ethical guidelines.
Speaking via a broadcast on his official YouTube channel, Abdul Hadi articulated that PAS felt compelled to adopt a firm stance due to actions he described as being in direct opposition to both party discipline and fundamental Islamic teachings.
“Positions are a sacred trust. In Islam, individuals who actively seek positions should not be appointed, and it is understood that not everyone is suited for every role,” he stated, emphasizing a core tenet of his party’s philosophy. “This is a clear and non-negotiable principle, and it is one we steadfastly adhere to.”
Abdul Hadi further elaborated on his view that the relentless pursuit of office has historically been a catalyst for division and betrayal, ultimately weakening governing structures and destabilising political parties. He pointed to PAS’s own experiences, citing past internal challenges encountered in states like Terengganu, Kelantan, and Kedah whenever the party assumed positions of power.
He asserted that the situation unfolding in Perlis mirrors these past patterns. Abdul Hadi insisted that former Perlis Menteri Besar, Mohd Shukri Ramli, was not removed due to any wrongdoing on his part. Instead, he claimed, Shukri’s departure was a consequence of his refusal to compromise on matters of governance and integrity.
“There was significant pressure exerted regarding projects that did not adhere to the proper procedures,” Abdul Hadi revealed. “Our Menteri Besar could not in good conscience agree to something that was fundamentally wrong.” He added that Shukri’s steadfast refusal to yield to such pressures resulted in him being unfairly treated, rather than having acted unjustly himself.
Abdul Hadi also touched upon Mohd Shukri’s personal circumstances. He mentioned that Shukri, who also serves as the assemblyman for Sanglang, had been experiencing health issues, including pre-existing heart conditions, even before the state election. However, Abdul Hadi stressed that Shukri’s appointment was considered justified at the time, and his administration had reportedly functioned smoothly for the initial three years.
“We appointed him because we assessed he was still fit to serve as Menteri Besar, and indeed, the three years of his administration proceeded without significant incident,” Abdul Hadi explained. “Suddenly, as we neared the end of this period, the current situation has emerged.”
The PAS leader indicated that such internal disputes over power and the allocation of projects leave political parties with limited recourse, often forcing them to take decisive action, even if it leads to a degree of political uncertainty. He conveyed that PAS is prepared for various eventualities, including the possibility of by-elections or a snap state election. Abdul Hadi expressed confidence that the party’s core support base remains robust and unwavering.
“Perlis has a total of 15 seats; PAS holds six, and Bersatu has five. This configuration presents a challenge in forming a stable government,” he observed, while also noting that PAS has prior experience navigating governance with a reduced executive presence and is ready to seek a fresh mandate from the voters if the situation necessitates it.
The crisis in Perlis gained momentum after five assemblymen from Bersatu and three from PAS collectively withdrew their support for Shukri, an action that subsequently led to his resignation. The three PAS assemblymen who were instrumental in this move have since been stripped of their party membership.
“This constitutes a serious infraction, as every member has pledged a bai’ah (oath of allegiance),” Abdul Hadi stated, underscoring the gravity of their actions. “They are bound not to act against party directives, unless such directives are in direct contravention of Islamic law.”
While carefully stopping short of assigning blame to Bersatu as an entire entity, Abdul Hadi indicated that PAS anticipates a response from its ally’s leadership. He confirmed that PAS has already submitted two potential names for consideration as the successor to the Perlis Menteri Besar position.
“Our trust in the integrity of the process remains unshaken,” Abdul Hadi concluded, expressing a resolute outlook for the party amidst the ongoing political developments.
