Kuala lumpur: Religious and governance issues should not be exploited to create negative public perceptions, particularly involving the state administration and the royal institution, said Perlis mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin. He emphasized the importance of backing any claims, including allegations of pressure on the Menteri Besar, with clear evidence to avoid creating fear and misusing religious sentiments.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Mohd Asri highlighted the dangers of claims suggesting the Menteri Besar resigned due to pressure to approve matters outside proper procedures. He questioned who could exert such pressure, noting that these claims raise serious concerns and contribute to negative perceptions. He stressed the importance of preventing the exploitation of issues in the name of religion during a recent podcast on his YouTube channel, 'Prof Dato Dr MAZA - Political Crisis: Between Religion and Power'.
On December 25, Mohd Shukri Ramli, who also serves as the Sanglang assemblyman, announced his resignation as Perlis Menteri Besar citing health reasons. He submitted his resignation letter to the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, on the same day. This followed an announcement by Perlis speaker Rus'sele Eizan regarding unexpected vacancies in the Chuping, Bintong, and Guar Sanji seats after the termination of party membership for three PAS assemblymen.
It was reported that Perikatan Nasional assemblymen in the state allegedly sought an audience with the Raja of Perlis to express a loss of confidence and withdrawal of support for Mohd Shukri. Following this development, PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang announced the termination of the party membership for Saad Seman (Chuping), Fakhrul Anwar Ismail (Bintong), and Mohd Ridzuan Hashim (Guar Sanji) under the PAS Constitution (Amendment 2025).
In the 15th general election, Perikatan Nasional (PN) secured a significant victory by winning 14 of the 15 seats in the Perlis State Legislative Assembly, with PAS obtaining nine seats and Bersatu five. Pakatan Harapan (PH) managed to win the remaining seat through PKR.