Former reps accuse Shahidan of treason in Perlis crisis

Arau MP has gone overboard in statements made about the decision by the Raja of Perlis to appoint Azlan Man as menteri besar, says Perlis Mubarak deputy president.

Bahari Taib, Perlis head of Mubarak, says the organisation will support Azlan Man as menteri besar.

KANGAR: The Perlis branch of the Malaysian Council of Former Elected Representatives (Mubarak) today hit out at Perlis Umno chairman Shahidan Kassim for his statements about the Raja of Perlis, describing them as treasonous.

Mubarak Perlis deputy president Bahari Taib said Shahidan, the Arau MP, had gone overboard in several statements made in Kuala Lumpur today.

Shahidan has disputed the appointment of Azlan Man, who was sworn in as Menteri Besar today before the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail.

Nine BN assemblymen had reportedly boycotted the ceremony, incurring the wrath of Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin.

Bahari said: “What Shahidan has said (in his press conference) is an act of treason. He has also gone against the Umno constitution.

“In our experience, the power to appoint an MB is with the ruler. The Tuanku, to us, has already made his considerations after meeting with Umno leaders Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Hishammuddin Hussein.

“The ruler has also met all the assembly members, and this has given the Tuanku the space and the opportunity to make careful considerations.”

Shahidan had said today that Azlan would be expelled from Umno. He reportedly also said the Perlis ruler should not interfere in the state’s administration.

Bahari was asked whether Azlan’s appointment was invalid as he did not command the support of the majority. He held the view that the ruler had given his consent for Azlan to be appointed, after having received Zahid and Hishammuddin in audience.

“To this end, we are of the view that the decision (for Azlan to be MB) should be accepted by the state Umno leadership,” he said.

Bahari said Shahidan should have discussed the matter with the Umno leadership and obtained their views first, before making any statements or decision.

Bahari voiced his support for Azlan’s appointment, which he said was in line with the Perlis constitution, and pledged to stand by him. “We will provide the necessary support, to help ensure that Perlis will continue to be competitive with other states in the country,” he said.

Bahari said that Shahidan and the nine BN assemblymen should not have boycotted the swearing-in ceremony. “They should have been present. Respect to the Tuanku is more important than Shahidan’s call (to boycott),” he added.

Until yesterday, Perlis remained the only state in the country without a head of government. BN secured a two-thirds majority in the state assembly, winning 10 out of 15 state seats. Pakatan Harapan won three state seats (Kuala Perlis, Sena and Indera Kayangan), while PAS secured Sanglang and Guar Sanji. - FMT