KUALA KUBU BAHARU: It is still status quo as far as the Perlis Perikatan Nasional leadership

is concerned despite an ongoing corruption probe involving Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli.

Pas secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said there was no need for discussion on a change of the state coalition leadership because Shukri is innocent until proven guilty.

"A person is innocent until proven guilty, that is the principle of law and justice.

"Charges have not been filed yet, (and) anyone can be investigated. Even questioning can lead to an investigation.

"We (PN) did not discuss unnecessary matters and it is still status quo (the position of Shukri). He is still the menteri besar and he cannot be dismissed easily unless he violates certain matters under the constitution, such as being a bankrupt or found guilty by the court," Takiyuddin said when met by reporters at the launch of PN's manifesto in Kuala Kubu Baharu today.

He was responding to a statement from a Perlis Bersatu leader about the party's readiness to take up the state PN leadership.

On Thursday, Perlis Bersatu liaison committee chief Abu Bakar Hamzah said the party was ready to shoulder the responsibility to lead the state government should any elected representative from the party be asked to do so.

Despite talking about no changes in the state leadership for now, Takiyuddin did admit that any assemblyman in Perlis could be appointed as menteri besar in the future if the person commanded a majority support from members of the state assembly.

"There is no Pas or Bersatu in Perlis, but we have PN. So any assemblyman is eligible to become the menteri besar as long as they have the support of the party.

"We also have 15 seats, (so) anyone can be one (a menteri besar). We are open to this, there is no problem and there is no issue (about the matter)."

Last Wednesday, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed that Shukri was arrested to assist in the investigation under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009 involving allegations of abuse of power.

The Perlis Pas commissioner, who is the state PN chairman, however, was released on MACC bail after nearly eight hours of questioning.

Shukri, who is Sanglang assemblyman, was arrested at 11am while giving a statement at the MACC Headquarters in Putrajaya.

The case involves the implementation of infrastructure development projects, including repairs, maintenance, supply and services throughout Perlis since 2022.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2024/05/1047088/no-discussion-over-pn-leadership-change-perlis-says-takiyuddin