KANGAR: Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) Titi Tinggi assemblyman Izizam Ibrahim has categorically denied the allegation that he was behind the plot to exclude state party chief Abu Bakar Hamzah from being appointed as the state executive councillor.
Izizam, also the state Bersatu deputy chief, said the allegation was utterly baseless and refused to be dragged into the matter.
"I categorically deny the allegation, and it is utterly baseless. We should focus on our duty to serve the people instead of wasting time on such politicking," he said when we met at the Menteri Besar Office today.
Izizam responded to Abu Bakar's claims earlier today that he was among the two Bersatu assemblymen who masterminded the plot to block the Kuala Perlis elected representative from being appointed as the state executive councillor.
It was reported that Abu Bakar had waged a 'war' against the leadership of Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli for not appointing him as the state executive councillor.
He also claimed that Shukri had acted against the wish of Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who had nominated him to fill up the post during a swearing-in ceremony at Istana Arau this morning.
Meanwhile, Izizam pledged his support to Shukri, adding that Bersatu Perlis has no issue with the menteri besar.
"In Bersatu, we have no problem (with the menteri besar). One or two leaders are trying to create disharmony with Pas in Perlis Perikatan Nasional.
"Whatever it is, we, as the exco members from Bersatu, pledge our full support to the menteri besar, and we will put the rakyat's interest above anything else.
"The exco position is a huge responsibility. Hence, there is no point in being dragged into never-ending politicking," Izizam said.
In the swearing-in ceremony today, Bersatu Tambun Tulang assemblyman Wan Zikri Afthar Ishak was appointed as the new exco member, while Pas Kayang assemblyman Asrul Aimran Abd Jalil was sworn in as the state executive councillor to replace Pas Bintong assemblyman Fakhrul Anwar who was dropped from the list.
Meanwhile, Shukri said the reshuffle was done to relieve the overloading of duties among some exco members.
"Regarding the reshuffle and the additional (portfolios), it was done as we believe some have too many things on their plates.
"They must travel frequently to Putrajaya to attend meetings based on their respective portfolios.
"This may have an impact on the state administration. Thus, we decided to reshuffle some of the portfolios," he said in a press conference at this office.
Shukri said the reshuffling was a common practice to streamline the state administration, including dropping Bintong Pas assemblyman Fakhrul Anwar.
In an immediate response, Fakhrul said he accepted the decision with an open heart.
"I did not know that I would be dropped, but it is a standard administrative process, which is the prerogative of the menteri besar.
"Honestly, I have no problem, and I wish to thank (the menteri besar) for the opportunity to learn new things for about a year by being part of the state administration.
"My focus now is to serve my constituents in Bintong," he said.