PETALING JAYA: The Perak imbroglio that left the three Malay parties – PPBM, Umno and PAS – at odds with each other seems to be over. But for how long?
A political source in the know says what has happened is only a temporary ceasefire. The three parties are likely to continue their power play, trying to outperform the other.
Another change in state government is not likely until GE15 as Umno is back in power led by Saarani Mohamad as the new menteri besar.
“But each party will continue to ensure they survive and stay strong in the state,” the source told FMT.
He said PAS was keen to take over the state while PPBM wanted to gain power through grassroot support. “Umno will also make sure the party remains dominant in the state,” he said.
He said the three parties may continue to look over their shoulders to ensure they are not outshone by the others.
However, the Perak rakyat are struggling with job losses and business closures in a weakening economy and “as cliched as it may sound” the rakyat would want to see what the new state government can do to help them. “Many are angry as they are still struggling,” he added.
The source said Saarani was appointed as menteri besar because he was the Perak Umno chief but he may not be well-liked even within some Umno circles.
Saarani would need to ensure a good working relationship with all the parties to garner adequate support in the state assembly.
Perak PAS yesterday apologised to Sultan Nazrin Shah for failing to appear for their audience with the Ruler on Tuesday. Its chief Razman Zakaria had said they sent an official apology to the Palace.
With the apology, the source said, Saarani is now able to give exco positions to PAS.
“As they start negotiations on exco positions, Umno will take the lion’s share of exco positions with the rest going to PPBM and PAS,” he said.
It may lead to some dissatisfaction. However, the source said, from here it would all depend on who will be able to win the rakyat’s heart.