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TENSIONS flared in the Dewan Rakyat today when Jelutong MP RSN Rayer and Pagoh MP Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin became embroiled in a sharp exchange over political stability, triggered by the recent political turmoil in Perlis.
The clash occurred when Rayer rose to interject during Muhyiddin’s debate on the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s royal address, drawing a comparison between national political stability and the crisis that unfolded in the country’s northernmost state.
“In a situation of political stability with a strong government, we can face any challenge, unlike what is happening in Perlis,” Rayer said.
Muhyiddin, who was at the time addressing issues related to the Malaysia–United States Reciprocal Trade Agreement, dismissed the intervention as irrelevant to the debate at hand.
“Not really relevant to what we are discussing,” he said, as Rayer continued to press his point.
“Relevant, Pagoh! Relevant! Political stability is relevant!” Rayer retorted.
Muhyiddin then accused Rayer of raising the issue with questionable intent. “You deliberately raised this matter to show an intention that I think is not good,” he said.
He maintained that the Perlis impasse had already been resolved through constitutional processes.
“The problem in Perlis has already been settled and implemented in accordance with the responsibilities of His Royal Highness the Raja of Perlis,” Muhyiddin said.
Rayer responded by questioning Perikatan Nasional’s ability to govern. “If a small state cannot even be governed, the country will be destroyed if Perikatan Nasional rules,” he said.
Muhyiddin rejected the assertion, insisting the matter had been handled prudently. “It will not be destroyed. Perlis is a sovereign state and the matter was resolved wisely,” he said.
The exchange followed developments last December, when Mohd Shukri Ramli resigned as Perlis menteri besar, citing health reasons.
His resignation came after eight Perikatan Nasional assemblymen, including three from PAS, withdrew their support.
PAS subsequently expelled the three assemblymen — Mohd Ridzuan Hashim of Guar Sanji, Saad Seman of Chuping and Fakhrul Anwar Ismail of Bintong — and their seats were declared vacant by the state assembly speaker.
Later that month, Kuala Perlis assemblyman Abu Bakar Hamzah of Bersatu was sworn in as the new menteri besar, bringing an end to the political deadlock. - January 28, 2026