The latest development in Perlis has given rise to the question of whether the death knell has been sounded for Menteri Besar Shahidan Kassim's political career.

One observed today noted that Universiti Institut Teknologi Mara's (UiTm) deliberation to relocate its engineering campus and the withdrawal of an army battalion appear to signal that the end could be near.

"Why should the federal government do this since Perlis is also a state governed by the ruling Barisan Nasional?" asked the observer who requested anonymity.

Yesterday, Shahidan said the federal government should consult the respective state governments if it wanted to move out any departments.

He added that there were instances when the state government was kept in the dark over the decision to transfer an entire department.

He said the Defence Ministry had previously moved the12th Royal Malaysian Army Brigade from Perlis without the state government's knowledge and UiTM may also relocate its engineering faculty.

In July the menteri besar, who is a staunch supporter of former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, alleged that he received a threat from certain quarters using the name of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

He claimed that these people told him to 'watch out' once Mahathir retired.

Although he did not name them, Shahidan said those behind the threats were eyeing political positions in Perlis and were using Mahathir's retirement as a platform to advance their interests.

The menteri besar is no stranger to controversy and has on numerous occasions been rebuked by federal government leaders, including Abdullah, for making unilateral decisions ranging from extended school hours to a curfew on teenagers.

UiTm reconsidering

In a related development, malaysiakini learnt that (UiTm) may reconsider moving its engineering faculty from Arau to Penang after a meeting with Shahidan at his residence last night.

According to a source close to the state government, the meeting was attended by several top officials from the university.

He said the officials broke fast with Shahidan and discussed the relocation issue at length, during which the menteri besar explained why the state needed the Arau campus to stay put.

"The UiTM branch has helped to spur development and this has greatly benefitted the people living the area," added the source who declined to be named.

UiTM vice-chancellor Prof Dr Ibrahim Abu Shah could not be reached for comment.