Analysts say the appointment of Abu Bakar Hamzah as Perlis MB ends a leadership vacuum but highlights internal PN tensions and a public trust deficit
KUALA LUMPUR: The appointment of Abu Bakar Hamzah as the new Menteri Besar of Perlis demonstrates the state’s political crisis was addressed lawfully.
Universiti Malaya sociopolitical analyst Prof Datuk Awang Azman Awang Pawi (pic) said the move ended the leadership vacuum.
He warned the change risks being viewed as an elite power shift without a new mandate from the electorate.
“From the public’s perspective, this change risks being viewed as an elite power shift without a new mandate, as it stemmed from the withdrawal of support by state assemblymen rather than an election,” he said.
Awang Azman said the appointment is primarily a damage-control measure rather than a complete solution.
He added it does not immediately address the trust deficit within Perikatan Nasional (PN).
Political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said appointing a Bersatu representative prioritises stability and majority support.
He said not retaining PAS as head of the administration demonstrates pragmatic steps.
Sivamurugan noted it also highlights internal tensions within PN, especially between PAS and Bersatu.
A similar view was echoed by UiTM senior lecturer Shahidah Abdul Razak.
She said long-term stability depends on the new MB’s ability to manage inter-party relations and rebuild internal trust.
Abu Bakar took the oath of office as the new Perlis Menteri Besar at 4.04 pm today.
His predecessor, Mohd Shukri Ramli, resigned on 25 December due to health reasons.
The 57-year-old Abu Bakar is Perlis PN deputy chairman and the state Bersatu chief.
He won the Kuala Perlis state seat in GE15 with a 154-vote majority.
On 25 December, the Perlis State Assembly Speaker announced extraordinary vacancies for three assembly seats.
The vacancies arose after PAS ended the memberships of three assemblymen who withdrew support for Mohd Shukri.
In GE15, Perlis PN won 14 of the 15 state seats, with PAS securing nine and Bersatu five.
