Kangar: The appointment of new members to the Perlis State Executive Council (Exco) can proceed with a minimum of four members, following PAS' decision not to join the state administration under his leadership, said Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah. He stated that this minimum number represents one-third of the total number of state assemblymen.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Abu Bakar clarified that "without the Menteri Besar, it is four. With the Menteri Besar, it becomes five," underscoring the readiness to form the Exco swiftly. This announcement was made during a press conference at Kompleks Seri Putra earlier today.

PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan announced that the party has decided not to participate in the new Exco lineup to be formed by Abu Bakar. He further mentioned that all existing PAS Exco members will resign in solidarity following the resignation of the former Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli.

Abu Bakar, who is also the Perikatan Nasional (PN) Perlis deputy chairman, indicated that portfolios within the new Exco lineup might be consolidated or abolished to reduce the administrative burden. Abu Bakar, 57, who serves as the Kuala Perlis state assemblyman from Bersatu, took his oath before the Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail on Sunday.