Perlis reps dropped due to party hierarchy, not performance, says Muhyiddin

The Bersatu president says Tambun Tulang assemblyman Wan Zikri Afthar Ishak and Pauh assemblyman Megat Hashirat Hassan were dropped because of their positions in the party.

(FMT) – Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin has confirmed that Tambun Tulang assemblyman Wan Zikri Afthar Ishak was dropped from the Perlis executive council because of party hierarchy, and not performance.

Muhyiddin said both Wan Zikri and Pauh assemblyman Megat Hashirat Hassan were not reappointed to the Perlis exco lineup for the 2024-2025 term not because they had failed in carrying out their duties, but due to their positions within the party.

“It’s not because of their performance but due to the changes (in the party’s leadership). In Perlis, we reshuffle the excos every year, so we review the lineup annually. We don’t know what lies ahead.

“This means there were consultations with the party,” he told FMT in an interview.

Yesterday, Wan Zikri, who is also Perlis Bersatu Youth information chief, claimed that he was dropped from the Perlis executive council because of politics rather than performance.

He said that when he asked Perlis menteri besar Shukri Ramli to explain the decision, he was told that it was “due to politics”.

Under Shukri’s administration, exco members are appointed for a one-year term to evaluate their performance.

Replacing Wan Zikri and Megat Hashirat are two party colleagues – Perlis Bersatu chief and Kuala Perlis assemblyman Abu Bakar Hamzah and Wanita Bersatu committee member and Sena assemblyman Marzita Mansor.

Megat Hashirat is the former Arau Bersatu chief.

Titi Tinggi assemblyman Izizam Ibrahim, also from Bersatu, retained his position in the administration.

Muhyiddin said Abu Bakar, who is also a member of the party’s Supreme Council, was not appointed as a state exco for the 2023-2024 term.

“I asked the menteri besar why he wasn’t appointed as an exco, and he said he didn’t know at the time, but now Abu Bakar has been appointed as one, with the consent of the Raja of Perlis.

“Izizam remains Perlis Bersatu deputy chief, while Marzita was selected as exco to represent the party’s women’s wing. She also heads the wing in Perlis. It’s good to give opportunities to women,” he added.

Muhyiddin revealed that Shukri had forgotten to consult him regarding the appointment of Bersatu members in the state exco lineup the previous year.

“This time, he did well by coming back (to us) when it was time to propose candidates for exco positions. It should be done in this manner because party leaders need to be involved and consulted,” he said.