PAS says won't join efforts to form new Perak government

 

PAS has decided not to join efforts to form a new Perak state government.

PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said this was the decision of the central leadership following the ouster of Bersatu deputy president Ahmad Faizal Azumu as Perak menteri besar today.

"(All) Three PAS assemblypersons had supported (Ahmad Faizal) in line with the decision of the PAS Central Committee's stance.

"In line with that decision, the central PAS leadership has decided not to join in efforts to form the new Perak government.

"However, PAS will continue its role as usual in society, in the state, and at the national level," Takiyuddin said in a statement today.

PAS is a member of Perikatan Nasional, which is headed by Bersatu.

However, it is also allied with Umno in Muafakat Nasional.

The confidence motion against Faizal was initiated by Umno's Pengkalan Bharu assemblyperson Abdul Manaf Hashim and was fast-tracked after emergency motions by Umno and DAP today.

48 assemblypersons voted against Faizal while 10 others voted to retain him as menteri besar.

After the vote, a PAS MP earlier made veiled swipes at those who turned on Faizal.

"Congratulations Perak DAP and those who worked with them. The Perak government has changed leads," wrote Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli Shari on Facebook.

Umno only has 25 state seats in Perak. They need another five to form the next government.

Bersatu has six assemblypersons. Buntong assemblyperson A Sivasubramaniam is said to have joined the party last month.

If Umno doesn't get Bersatu's backing, this means they must try to cobble up support from Pakatan Harapan.

DAP has 16 assemblypersons, Amanah (five) and PKR (three).

If no one is able to secure a majority, the state could be heading towards a snap election. - Mkini