Corruption case of Perlis MB’s son ‘gift’ for opponents, says Bersatu man

Bersatu Perlis chairman Abu Bakar Hamzah says even though the case is far from over, it will be exploited in the run-up to elections.

(FMT) – The prosecution of Perlis menteri besar Shukri Ramli’s son on a charge of falsifying claims has had a significant impact on Perikatan Nasional in the state, Bersatu Perlis chairman Abu Bakar Hamzah said.

He admitted that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s case against Syafeeq Shukri was a “gift” for PN’s opponents, even though the case was far from over and no judgment had been delivered, Sinar Harian reported.

“PN Perlis is indeed affected, and this issue will be exploited by our opponents, especially in the run-up to the (Sungai Bakap) by-election, and even future elections,” he said.

Bakar, who is also the PN Perlis deputy chairman, said Bersatu has mobilised a team to explain the issue to the public in the state.

“People have started comparing the current administration with the government led by Barisan Nasional several decades ago and acknowledge that it will be difficult to maintain PN’s victory in the next general election if this issue is not handled properly,” he said.

However, he said, the issue does not pose a problem for the cooperation between Bersatu and PAS in Perlis.

“We do not have any problems and still respect PAS as our partner within PN.

“The public needs to see this, and we do not want to be punished in the next general election. There needs to be a change in the approach led by PAS as the ruling party in the state,” he said.

Syafeeq was charged in the Kangar sessions court on May 23 with falsifying claims of more than RM19,000 for the supply of drinks for the Raja of Perlis,Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail, in February.

He pleaded not guilty after the charge was read to him before judge Norsalha Hamzah.