KANGAR: Perlis Bersatu liaison committee chief Abu Bakar Hamzah has denied any rift between him and Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli, following Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) probes into the state Pas commissioner and his son.
Abu Bakar said that the relationship between Bersatu and Pas in the state Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, led by Shukri, remained intact and harmonious.
"Any claims of a rift between Bersatu and Pas (in Perlis) are just personal opinions," he said.
He also emphasised that the relationship between Bersatu elected representatives, including himself as the state Bersatu chief and state PN deputy chairman, and the Menteri Besar was good.
"We are always in contact to discuss matters related to politics," he said after leading the state Bersatu elected representatives in signing a pledge of loyalty to the party in Kuala Perlis.
Abu Bakar dismissed allegations that he was behind the MACC probes against Shukri and his son.
"I have lodged a police report to categorically deny the claims because that was never our (PN) plan. If I did such a thing, it means I am bringing down Perlis PN. We must put aside personal differences and stand firm to defend PN in the state," he said, affirming his support for Shukri as long as he remained the Menteri Besar.
On April 30, Shukri was summoned by the MACC to provide a statement regarding alleged power abuse involving projects worth RM1 million approved by the Menteri Besar's Office.
Prior to that, his son was among six individuals remanded by the MACC in connection with the falsification of documents involving a false claim amounting to RM600,000 .
Abu Bakar also addressed claims that state Bersatu was divided into two camps.
"There is no such thing as Team A and Team B in Perlis Bersatu. The presence of all Bersatu elected representatives here tonight is proof that we remain united despite all the claims on social media platforms," he said.
Abu Bakar, who is also the Kuala Perlis assemblyman, responded to claims that state Bersatu was split between a camp led by him and another camp consisting of three Bersatu assemblymen appointed as state executive councillors.
All representatives were present to sign the pledge of support letter as instructed by party secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.
This move followed Hamzah's order for Bersatu elected representatives nationwide to sign the pledge of loyalty or risk losing their membership in the party, in accordance with Article 10.4 of the Bersatu constitution.
The action was taken after six Members of Parliament and an assemblyman from the party pledged their support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.