KUALA LUMPUR – Bersatu has denied that a proposal to retain three former PAS assemblymen in Perlis as independent representatives amounts to interference in PAS’ internal affairs.
Bersatu Information Chief Datuk Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz said the suggestion by Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah was aimed at resolving administrative issues related to the distribution of allocations to residents in the three affected constituencies.
He explained that the status of the three former assemblymen remains “in limbo” until their court case against the declaration of vacant seats by Perlis Speaker Rus’sele Eizan is concluded.
“This proposal is to determine the position of the three assemblymen so they can continue serving their constituents,” Tun Faisal wrote on Facebook.
“It has nothing to do with PAS’ disciplinary actions against its members. Decisions to expel or suspend members are PAS’ internal matters.”
Ridzuan Hashim, Fakhrul Anwar Ismail and Saad Seman have filed a judicial review against Rus’sele at the Kangar High Court after their constituencies—Guar Sanji, Bintong and Chuping—were declared vacant. Their membership was terminated following allegations they withdrew support for former Menteri Besar Shukri Ramli.
Abu Bakar, who is also Bersatu Perlis chief, said yesterday that the current uncertainty is affecting residents in the three areas, particularly in accessing aid and welfare services.
He expressed hope for a resolution to safeguard political stability and public welfare, suggesting the three former PAS assemblymen be retained as independents and subsequently withdraw their lawsuit against the Speaker.
Following Abu Bakar’s proposal, PAS Information Chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari today responded that “there is no need to interfere in another party’s affairs,” stressing that the trio’s membership ended due to disciplinary breaches under the party constitution.
“The Menteri Besar should focus on governing the state and ensure he does not become the shortest‑serving Perlis MB in history—that’s enough,” Ahmad Fadhli wrote on Facebook. – January 25, 2026