ARAU, El Sky News – The Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, has issued a stern decree calling for an immediate end to all political speculation and slander following the appointment of a new Menteri Besar (Chief Minister). The Ruler emphasized that the state’s stability and the welfare of its people must take precedence over political friction.
The New Appointment
The decree was made during the official swearing-in ceremony of Abu Bakar Hamzah, the assemblyman for Kuala Perlis, as the ninth Menteri Besar of the state. Abu Bakar, representing the Bersatu party, succeeds Mohd Shukri Ramli, who recently stepped down due to health concerns.
Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin noted that while leadership transitions typically occur every five years following a general election, this mid-term change was necessary to ensure the continuity of the state administration.
A Decision Based on Consensus
Addressing the recent political rumors, the Raja of Perlis clarified that the selection of the new leader was not made in isolation.
“I have weighed this decision deeply and sought the perspectives of various elected representatives,” the Ruler stated. He added that most assemblymen had expressed their willingness to accept and support whoever was chosen for the role.
The Ruler also addressed reported tensions within the Perikatan Nasional coalition, specifically between PAS and Bersatu. He urged all parties to mend any rifts and function as a unified government.
Call for Unity
Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin reminded all state assemblymen of their primary duty: to serve the public. He stressed that internal disputes only hinder development and create unnecessary unrest among the citizens.
The ceremony concluded with the Ruler expressing his gratitude to the outgoing Menteri Besar, Mohd Shukri Ramli, for his three years of dedicated service to Perlis before his voluntary resignation.
Background of the Crisis
The leadership change follows a period of political uncertainty in the state, which saw several PAS assemblymen lose their party membership after withdrawing support for the former leadership. With the swearing-in of Abu Bakar Hamzah, the palace hopes to see a definitive end to the “political noise” that has dominated the northern state in recent weeks
