ALOR SETAR, June 9 — Bersatu state executive councillors can remain in the Kedah government despite PAS ending political cooperation with the party.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said the only criterion was that they continue to support the PAS-led state government, news portal Malaysiakini reported today.
“They stay, no changes as long as they continue to support the state government,” he was quoted as saying.
Sanusi, who is also PAS election director, was asked about the fate of Bersatu assemblymen in his administration following the breakdown in ties between the two Perikatan Nasional partners.
PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang announced the decision to halt cooperation with Bersatu last night after a special central committee meeting in Kuala Lumpur.
Hadi cited recent sharp clashes between the PN allies as the reason for the split.
Asked whether retaining Bersatu excos contradicted the party's stand, Sanusi said it did not.
“It's fine, our decision does not disrupt state governments – as long as they keep supporting, they can remain,” he was quoted as saying.
Kedah has two Bersatu excos, Datuk Halimaton Shaadiah Saad (Bukit Kayu Hitam) who oversees welfare, women, family and community, and Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin (Kubang Rotan) who handles tourism, culture and entrepreneurship.
Sanusi previously also retained Suka Menanti assemblyman Dzowahir Ab Ghani, who holds the agriculture, plantation and transport portfolio, even after he was sacked from Bersatu for attending an event involving former deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.
