A heated exchange unfolded in the Dewan Rakyat on January 28, 2026, after the political crisis in Perlis became the flashpoint for a sharp confrontation between Jelutong MP RSN Rayer and former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. The verbal clash highlighted deep divisions over questions of political stability and governance following recent upheaval in the northern state.
Tensions rose when Rayer intervened during Muhyiddin’s debate on the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s royal address. Rayer drew a contrast between what he described as the importance of national political stability under a strong federal government and the turmoil that had recently shaken Perlis. He argued that stable leadership was essential for the country to confront economic and political challenges, implying that the Perlis episode demonstrated the risks of fragile governance.
Muhyiddin, the Pagoh MP, dismissed the interjection as unrelated to the subject he was addressing at the time, which centred on matters linked to Malaysia–United States trade relations. As Rayer persisted, the exchange escalated, prompting Muhyiddin to question the intent behind raising the Perlis issue in Parliament. He suggested that the matter was being brought up for reasons that went beyond constructive debate.
The former prime minister maintained that the Perlis situation had already been resolved in accordance with constitutional provisions and royal authority. He stressed that the impasse had been handled responsibly and within the framework of the state’s governance system, leaving no grounds for continued political point-scoring.
Rayer, however, used the opportunity to cast doubt on Perikatan Nasional’s governing credentials. He argued that difficulties in managing a small state raised serious concerns about the coalition’s ability to administer the country effectively. Muhyiddin rejected this claim, insisting that the resolution of the Perlis crisis demonstrated prudence rather than failure, and reiterated that the state’s sovereignty and constitutional processes had been respected.
The parliamentary dispute followed a series of developments in Perlis in December 2025. Then-menteri besar Mohd Shukri Ramli stepped down on December 2025, citing health reasons, after losing the support of eight Perikatan Nasional assemblymen, including three from PAS. The three PAS representatives were later expelled from the party, and their seats were declared vacant by the state assembly speaker, deepening the political deadlock.
The crisis was eventually resolved later in December 2025 when Kuala Perlis assemblyman Abu Bakar Hamzah from Bersatu was sworn in as the new menteri besar. His appointment brought an end to weeks of uncertainty, but the episode continues to reverberate at the national level, as reflected in the fiery exchange in Parliament.
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