BERSATU Says No Directive for Perlis Assemblymen to Withdraw Support from Chief Minister, Says Muhyiddin

Kuala Lumpur, El Sky News — President of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (BERSATU), Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, has firmly denied claims that his party instructed its Perlis state assembly members (ADUN) to withdraw support from the Perlis Chief Minister (Menteri Besar), amid growing speculation of a political crisis in the state. Muhyiddin stressed that BERSATU remains committed to maintaining political stability within the Perikatan Nasional (PN) state government and rejected accusations that the party is behind recent political tensions in Perlis.

Clarification Amid Political Speculation

Speculation intensified following reports of internal disagreements within the Perikatan Nasional coalition, particularly between PAS and BERSATU, raising concerns over the stability of the Perlis state administration and the possibility of a snap state election.

Addressing the issue, Muhyiddin emphasized that no official directive was issued by BERSATU to its elected representatives to withdraw their support, adding that any political decision must follow formal party procedures and coalition consensus.

“BERSATU has never directed its Perlis assembly members to withdraw support from the Chief Minister. Such claims only create confusion and undermine political stability,” Muhyiddin said in a media statement.

PAS–BERSATU Relations in Perlis Government

The Perlis state government is currently led by Perikatan Nasional, with PAS as the dominant party and BERSATU as its coalition partner. Despite this, observers note increasing strain within the coalition over governance issues, leadership dynamics, and inter-party communication. Political analysts have described Perlis as one of Malaysia’s most politically fragile states due to its small legislative assembly and the narrow balance of power among coalition partners.

Snap Election Rumours

Responding to speculation about an early state election, Muhyiddin said BERSATU’s priority is to respect the people’s mandate and ensure effective governance, rather than engaging in political manoeuvres that could destabilize the state. He added that any decision to dissolve the state assembly must be guided by public interest, not short-term political calculations.

Analysts’ View

Analysts believe Muhyiddin’s clarification aims to calm public concern and reaffirm BERSATU’s position as a stabilizing force within PN. However, they caution that unresolved internal disputes could still pose risks if not addressed through transparent dialogue among coalition partners.

Muhyiddin Yassin’s statement effectively dismisses claims that BERSATU is seeking to topple the Perlis Chief Minister. Nevertheless, political developments in Malaysia’s northernmost state remain under close watch, as the future stability of the Perikatan Nasional-led government continues to draw public attention.

(Lunar)