PUTRAJAYA — Political observers were quick to take notice after PAS Information Chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari published a cryptic statement on Facebook on Sunday, coinciding with the installation of Perlis’ new Menteri Besar.
The post appeared minutes after Kuala Perlis representative Abu Bakar Hamzah officially took oath as the state’s new leader.
Without elaboration, Ahmad Fadhli wrote:
“When a friend betrays a friend, it means that friend has chosen to become an enemy.”
The post immediately provoked speculation as he did not provide further explanation.
Previously, Ahmad Fadhli had accused certain quarters of submitting names to the palace and filing statutory declarations to withdraw support from former Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli. He suggested those involved represented a minority bloc, implicitly pointing towards Bersatu.
He further insisted Bersatu take stern action against its assemblymen who withdrew support, warning that failure to do so may cast doubt on continued PAS-Bersatu cooperation within Perikatan Nasional.
The political turbulence intensified when three state seats were declared vacant, followed by Mohd Shukri’s voluntary resignation reportedly due to health factors.
On the same day, UMNO Youth Chief Dr Akmal Saleh posted:
“Friends becoming enemies… but perhaps, one day, enemies can become friends again.”
Though indirect, many interpreted it as a symbolic message — hinting at reconciliation efforts and potentially reopening discussions surrounding the revival of Muafakat Nasional following the Perlis crisis involving eight PN assemblymen.