Muhyiddin says Bersatu name submitted for Perlis MB post, had no hand in SDs

PETALING JAYA: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin says he issued the name of the party’s candidate for the Mentri Besar post upon instructions from Istana Perlis.

However, he said he never instructed state representatives to sign any statutory declarations (SDs) to oust the former Mentri Besar.

In a statement issued on Saturday (Dec 27), the Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman and Bersatu president said he would call up the Perlis Bersatu representatives who signed the SDs to get their explanation.

“I am following the political developments in Perlis following Mohd Shukri Ramli’s resignation as Mentri Besar.

“I am confident PN’s component parties have their methods for managing any issues that arise to ensure the stability and continuity of the administration in Perlis,” said Muhyiddin.

He added that Bersatu did not issue any instructions to its state legislative assembly members to sign any SDs.

“Bersatu merely submitted the name of (our) Perlis MB candidate after the Istana instructed us to do so.

“The party will listen to explanations from the Bersatu Perlis state assemblymen to ascertain what really happened,” he said.

Muhyiddin also stressed that PN respects the discretionary powers of His Royal Highness Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail, the Raja of Perlis, and upholds the State Constitution of Perlis in appointing the Mentri Besar.

“PN also respects PAS’s position as the leading party in Perlis. I hope the issue regarding the MB position in Perlis can be resolved in the spirit of the greater Perikatan family,” he said.

Perlis Mentri Besar Mohd Shukri resigned on Thursday (Dec 25), citing health reasons.

His resignation came after eight state assemblymen – three from PAS and five from Bersatu – allegedly signed SDs retracting their support for him.