KUALA LUMPUR: Pas wants Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) to also take firm action against its state assemblymen involved in signing statutory declarations (SDs), which have triggered the political crisis in Perlis.
Pas deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said such action was important as a sign of respect for fellow Perikatan Nasional (PN) component parties and to ensure that discipline and integrity within the coalition remain intact.
Tuan Ibrahim made the call based on a comparison with the earlier situation involving the Nenggiri state seat in Kelantan.
At the time, he said, Bersatu terminated the membership of the Nenggiri assemblyman for supporting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, a move that led to a by-election, even though it did not involve the signing of SDs.
“Compared with Nenggiri, what happened in Perlis is far more serious. It has a direct impact on the stability of the PN government.
“As a key partner in the PN coalition, we are confident that Bersatu will act consistently and firmly, in line with the spirit of the Anti-Party Hopping Act and the principle of upholding the people’s mandate.
“Pas has already taken action to enforce party discipline. I now feel that Bersatu should do the same with its assemblymen,” he said in a statement today.
Pas last night announced the sacking of three Perlis assemblymen from the party. They are Chuping assemblyman Saad Seman, Fakhrul Anwar Ismail (Bintong) and Mohd Ridzuan Hashim (Guar Sanji).
The move came on the heels of claims that eight PN assemblymen had signed SDs to withdraw their support for Mohd Shukri Ramli as Perlis Menteri Besar.
Earlier today, Shukri announced his resignation as Perlis Menteri Besar, citing health reasons.
Commenting on the development, Tuan Ibrahim said Pas had taken firm action against the three assemblymen as the party was not prepared to compromise on disciplinary matters.
“Although this decision may pose risks to the stability of the Perlis government, Pas believes that party principles and integrity must take precedence over short-term interests.
“In this situation, I urge all Pas members and supporters to remain calm, disciplined and not be easily swayed by provocations that only benefit our opponents,” he said.
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