PN to meet Perlis MB after Bersatu suspension

KOTA BARU: Perikatan Nasional will hold talks with Perlis Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah following his suspension from Bersatu.

PN secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said he had written to Abu Bakar to request a meeting.

"The discussions will focus on resolving ongoing issues, as Pas still supports the state government despite not being part of the state administration," he told a press conference after the Himpunan dan Munajat Penyatuan Ummah event last night.

Takiyuddin, who is also Pas secretary-general, said that while Bersatu had suspended Abu Bakar, the menteri besar remained a party member.

"He cannot join another party, otherwise it would be party-hopping," he said.

It was previously reported that Abu Bakar, who is also Kangar Bersatu division chief, was suspended for two party election terms. He was accused of breaching the party's constitution.

In June, the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail, said he wanted Abu Bakar to be given space to lead Perlis until the end of the state assembly's term.

This followed the state's political crisis last December, when five Bersatu and three Pas assemblymen withdrew support for then menteri besar Mohd Shukri Ramli of Pas.

The situation ultimately led to Bersatu taking over the state leadership following Abu Bakar's appointment as menteri besar.

Pas then decided not to be part of the new state administration.