Dropped Perlis exco laments MB's lack of courage

• UPDATED 7.50PM | Added Perlis Pakatan Harapan Youth chief’s statement.

Tambun Tulang assemblyperson Wan Zikri Afthar Ishak has revealed that he was only informed about being dropped from his position as a Perlis exco member two days ago.

He lamented that Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli was not bold enough to tell him of the decision earlier.

"The menteri besar should understand his authority. He should be bold and not inform at the last minute... There was an exco meeting on Monday; he could have said something.

"I have employees with wives and families. I can't just dismiss them," he told Malaysiakini.

Wan Zikri (above) and Pauh assemblyperson Megat Hashirat Hassan - both from Bersatu - were dropped from the Perlis exco line-up in the state government reshuffle today.

When asked about his feelings after being dismissed, Wan Zikri admitted he was disappointed.

"It would be a lie to say I’m not disappointed, especially since I had planned a lot for next year," he said.

Wan Zikri added that the menteri besar should have informed him of the reshuffle in advance so he could reorganise his work.

No reason given

Shukri also did not give a clear reason for the move, the Bersatu leader claimed.

"I asked if it was due to my performance (as an exco), and he (the menteri besar) said no, my performance was excellent. He said it was due to politics," Wan Zikri said.

Bersatu had three representatives in the Perlis exco.

Apart from Wan Zikri and Megat, the other Bersatu assemblyperson appointed after the 2022 general election was Izizam Ibrahim (Titi Tinggi).

However, Izizam was retained, while Wan Zikri and Megat were replaced by Abu Bakar Hamzah (Kuala Perlis) - who is the Perlis Bersatu chief - and Marzita Mansor (Sena).

Perlis Pakatan Harapan Youth chief Ahmad Fadhzil Mohamad claimed the reshuffle on the “completely unacceptable” pretence that the excos were not performing underscores Perikatan Nasional’s weak and incompetent leadership in the state.

He said the PN-led state government has failed to leverage Perlis’ potential in sectors like tourism and agriculture and has instead become overdependent on federal aid.

“We, the Perlis Harapan Youth, urge the state government to do the honourable thing by dissolving the state assembly immediately. Restore the people’s right to choose its leadership that is truly capable of bringing change, champion for the people, and restore confidence in Perlis.

“Only with a new mandate from the people can the state’s dignity be saved. Enough with tarnishing Perlis’ name with an administration that is weak, incompetent, and selfish,” he said in a statement.

Perlis reshuffle: Bersatu duo replaces party reps in exco line-up

MB: Perlis exco chosen after discussions with PN leadership