Sanusi: Bersatu reps remain in Kedah govt despite PAS severing ties

PAS’ recent decision to terminate its political cooperation with Bersatu will not affect the positions of Bersatu excos in the PAS-led Kedah government for now, said state Menteri Besar Sanusi Nor.

However, Sanusi (above) included a caveat requiring the Bersatu assemblypersons to maintain their support for the state government.

“They remain (exco members), there are no changes as long as they continue to support the state government,” he told Malaysiakini via a text message today.

Asked whether his decision to retain the Bersatu assemblypersons’ positions could contradict PAS’ latest decision, Sanusi disagreed.

“It’s okay. Our (PAS’) decision does not disrupt the state governments. As long as they continue to support (the state administration), they can remain (in the government),” he added.

The two Bersatu excos are Bukit Kayu Hitam assemblyperson Halimaton Shaadiah Saad (women, family, society wellness, and unity) and Kubang Rotan assemblyperson Salleh Saidin (tourism, culture, and entrepreneurship).

Malaysiakini has contacted the assemblypersons for their comments.

Ummah unity

Last night, PAS announced an end to its six-year-long political cooperation with Bersatu, with the Islamist party now exploring potential electoral pacts in the interest of ummah unity ahead of the upcoming state polls and general election.

The decision came at the height of a strained relationship between the Perikatan Nasional component members, which saw top leaders from both parties openly criticising each other.

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang had previously accused Bersatu, led by former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin, of making unilateral decisions and failing to maintain internal discipline within the opposition coalition.

READ MORE: Our patience has limits, Hadi tells Bersatu amid GE speculation

Last month, Sanusi also opted to retain the government positions of two former Bersatu assemblypersons who had been expelled from their party.

Suka Menanti assemblyperson Dzowahir Ghani continues to serve as the state exco for agriculture, plantation, and transport, while Sungai Tiang assemblyperson Abdul Razak Khamis remained deputy speaker of the state assembly.

In the 2023 Kedah state election, PAS secured all 21 state seats it contested, while Bersatu managed to win 11 out of the 12 seats it set its sights on.

Fellow PN component member Gerakan claimed one state seat. Two PKR and one DAP elected representatives also make up the 36-seat state assembly.

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