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THE political turbulence currently engulfing Perlis has emerged as a stark illustration of the inability of PAS and Perikatan Nasional (PN) to govern the state with discipline and competence.
Datuk Mahfuz Omar, Deputy President of the National Trust Party (Amanah), described the conflict as far more than a mere difference of opinion.
“This is no longer a question of divergent views. It has escalated into an open battle within the state government, with PN state executive councillors and assemblymen seen opposing the Chief Minister from their own coalition, while PAS assemblymen are engaged in internal disputes,” Mahfuz stated in a press release on Thursday.
Mahfuz observed that while Perlis is often described as the hottest state in terms of weather, the current political climate is far hotter. “This is a clear portrait of PAS and PN’s failure when entrusted with power without the requisite discipline and governing capability,” he added.
According to Mahfuz, the crisis is not a new phenomenon but has persisted for over a year despite multiple interventions, including the replacement of the PAS state commissioner, the appointment of a new PN chairman, and numerous private negotiations.
“Yet, all these measures have failed. The underlying problem is the internal power struggle within PAS and PN’s inability to manage its own coalition,” he asserted.
He went further, describing the situation as humiliating given Perlis’ small size, both in terms of area and population, which is smaller than some districts in neighbouring Kedah.
“Yet, this small state has become one of the most unstable and disorderly, making it politically embarrassing. If even a small state cannot be governed properly, this is no longer a matter of challenges but of sheer unfitness,” he said.
Mahfuz accused the government of engaging in what he called the lowest form of politics, likening it to “tebuk atap” — a phrase referring to selfish opportunism.
“In 2020, they were breaching other people’s homes; now it is their own home that is under attack. There is no external pressure, no political adversary. The PN government in Perlis is betraying the public mandate through greed and internal power struggles,” he commented.
He also criticised PAS for its failure to uphold the values it espouses. “PAS has long claimed to practise Islamic politics and high moral standards, yet it cannot manage its internal conflicts.
The power struggles within PAS Perlis are no longer a secret. Religion is proclaimed on stage, but influence is fought for behind the scenes,” he remarked.
Mahfuz warned that when assemblymen from the same party and coalition lose confidence in their leadership, it signals a complete political failure.
“PAS and PN have lost the moral authority to speak on stability, integrity, and governance. The people of Perlis are now caught in the crossfire of an enduring internal conflict, with state administration neglected, public confidence shattered, and the image of Islamic politics tarnished,” he said.
He concluded, “PAS has failed to govern, PN has failed to maintain control. Even a small state like Perlis is in disarray. What has collapsed is not their political adversaries, but their own ability to govern.” - December 25, 2025