BN reps apologise to Bersatu, PAS over Perak MB’s ouster

Barisan Nasional (BN) assemblymen in Perak have apologised to allies Bersatu and PAS over the move to oust Ahmad Faizal Azumu as menteri besar last week.

The apology was issued by BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on behalf of the coalition’s assemblymen in Perak, all of whom are from Umno.

This follows a meeting between the three parties, which are part of the Perikatan Nasional state government, in the wake of speculation of a break-up.

With the apology, PAS and Bersatu agreed to back Umno’s Shaarani Mohamad as the new menteri besar.

Faizal, the Bersatu deputy president, lost in a confidence motion brought by an Umno assemblyman as differences between him and the Malay party reached a peak over the appointments of key administrative officers, including his political secretary.

The confidence motion on Faizal was opposed by 48 assemblymen comprising those from Pakatan Harapan (PH) as well as all but one Umno assemblyman.

Faizal only obtained 10 votes, comprising those from fellow reps in Bersatu, PAS and two independents. It is believed that the sole Umno man who abstained was Aznel Ibrahim, whom Faizal appointed as his political secretary.

The move to oust Faizal was critisied by both PAS and Bersatu, who initially said they would not participate in any attempt by Umno to form a new government.

It also led to speculation that Umno could work with PH parties in Perak, a move welcomed by several key leaders of the opposition coalition.