KANGAR — Perlis may have sworn in a new menteri besar, but the state’s political atmosphere remains tense after PAS Youth chief Haziq Asyraf disclosed that he was approached to sign a statutory declaration (SD) against the former menteri besar but rejected the move because it did not carry official party approval.
Haziq, who also represents Beseri in the state assembly, said his decision reflected his commitment to party discipline and organisational loyalty, particularly during a sensitive political period.
He explained that upon receiving the invitation, he chose to consult PAS’ central and state leadership instead of acting impulsively, arguing that such a significant step should never be taken outside proper party channels.
His statement emerged following the shocking move by three PAS assemblymen who had earlier signed an SD withdrawing support from former menteri besar Mohd Shukri Ramli, leading to his resignation and triggering intense political turmoil.
PAS later expelled the three assemblymen involved, a move that underscored the serious breach of party discipline while simultaneously contributing to uncertainty within the state administration.
The leadership shift culminated in Kuala Perlis assemblyman Abu Bakar Hamzah, from Bersatu, being sworn in as the 12th Menteri Besar of Perlis, witnessed by the Raja of Perlis at Istana Arau.
Despite the change in leadership, political observers note that Perlis is still grappling with the implications of the SD scandal, particularly regarding party loyalty and internal cohesion.
Haziq described the defection move as a betrayal that carries deep consequences, not only within Perlis but across the broader PAS organisation nationwide.
He urged party members to prioritise unity and discipline to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
As the new Perlis administration begins its tenure, the main question remains whether it can stabilise the political environment and rebuild trust after an episode that dramatically reshaped the state’s political landscape.
