Perlis Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah has dismissed claims that statutory declarations (SDs) linked to the collapse of the previous state administration are still relevant, describing the matter as “old news” that should no longer be raised.
He said attention should instead be directed towards preparations for the 16th General Election, urging all parties to move forward rather than revisit past political disputes.
In a broader political context, leaders often stress stability and unity as key factors in ensuring smooth governance, especially after periods of administrative uncertainty.
Responding to Perlis Pas Youth chief Haziq Asyraf Dun, Abu Bakar said all parties within Perikatan Nasional (PN), particularly youth wings, should respect the decree of the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, that the state administration be allowed to carry out its duties without disruption.
He advised the Pas Youth leader against raising old issues, warning that such actions could lead to unnecessary speculation and political distractions.
Abu Bakar also said only the Raja of Perlis would know the true details surrounding the alleged SDs, as all assemblymen were previously interviewed individually in the presence of the monarch, the state secretary and the state legal adviser.
He explained that even nomination documents for the Menteri Besar position were initially left blank before being completed by hand, emphasising that the appointment process followed proper constitutional procedures.
He added that Perlis PN’s main focus now should be on defending its mandate in the upcoming general election, noting that retaining power is often more challenging than winning it.
The administrative change in Perlis last year saw former Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli resign before being replaced by Abu Bakar on December 28, 2025.
