New Perlis MB pledges to maintain unity among state Perikatan assemblymen

ARAU: Newly appointed Perlis Mentri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah has pledged to maintain unity and rapport among Perikatan Nasional state assemblymen, comprising PAS and Bersatu representatives.

Abu Bakar, who is the Kuala Perlis assemblyman, welcomed the decree from the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, urging all Perikatan assemblymen to unite and collaborate for the well-being of the state and its people.

“There is no question of whether PAS or Bersatu is superior… What is important is that I call upon all state civil servants and residents to pray that Perlis’ development will be on par with that of other states.

“Politically, we will remain within the Perikatan team. PAS and Bersatu are one family, any disputes will be resolved soon, and I sincerely hope Perikatan relations will remain strong until the end of the term,” he said.

He told reporters this after his appointment and swearing-in ceremony as the new Perlis Mentri Besar at Istana Arau here on Sunday (Dec 28).

Abu Bakar said that he will continue current policies and maintain good ties with the federal government to ensure Perlis receives backing for its continued development.

On the state executive council lineup, he said minor reshuffles will be undertaken and that the portfolio distribution will be balanced between PAS and Bersatu assemblymen.

“Once several matters are resolved, an exco reshuffle will take place, and we will ensure balance, as Perikatan is a coalition of PAS and Bersatu, and InsyaAllah, equality will be upheld.

“I express my utmost gratitude to Tuanku (the Raja of Perlis) for entrusting me with this great responsibility to lead the Perlis government, and with the support of my colleagues in the state administration, I am confident we can further develop the state,” he added.

Abu Bakar also conveyed his appreciation to former Perlis Mentri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli for his contributions in the three years he led the state, which ended on Dec 25 due to health reasons.- Bernama