In a statement, the party’s secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said PAS exco members would step down from their posts in the state government in a show of solidarity with Shukri Ramli, who recently resigned as menteri besar.

He said PAS would also refuse any exco post in Abu Bakar’s new line-up.

“However, we will continue to back the state government in line with the mandate we obtained in the last election,” he said.

Abu Bakar was appointed amid a political crisis in the state, which saw eight Perikatan Nasional assemblymen reportedly submitting statutory declarations to the ruler to withdraw their support for Shukri, including three from PAS whose memberships were subsequently terminated.

The Perlis Bersatu chief was sworn in as menteri besar on Sunday, replacing Sanglang assemblyman Shukri from PAS who resigned due to health reasons last Thursday.

Abu Bakar’s appointment was followed by a series of social media posts by PAS leaders about betrayal and friendship, believed to be aimed at Bersatu, as well as suggestions that the Islamic party take over the reins of PN.

Takiyuddin said PAS is prepared to lead PN to strengthen the coalition in preparation for the next general election.

“We call on everyone to reflect and take heed of what has happened, as well as to take steps to boost public confidence in PN,” he said.

Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin resigned as PN chairman earlier today.