14/09/2025

NATIONAL 5 theSun on Sunday SEPT 14, 2025

PAS Youth push for PM candidate a strategic move

‘Muhyiddin move signals political calculation’

Proposal reflects party’s aim to assert influence in PN and not be sidelined, say political analysts

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Bersatu president and Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s move to name himself as the Opposition prime ministerial candidate signals boldness and political calculation, analysts said. Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said the Pagoh MP simply stepped into the vacuum when PAS failed to put forward its own nominee. “This reflects his maturity, political wisdom and leadership qualities in steering the Opposition bloc,” Azmi told theSun . He added that there was nothing unusual in Muhyiddin putting himself forward, especially given his prior experience as prime minister. “Naming himself is appropriate since he is synonymous with Bersatu. I don’t see anyone in PAS who could outweigh or surpass him in terms of leadership.” Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian of Universiti Sains Malaysia said the move was routine, particularly as it came during Bersatu’s annual general assembly. “It is common practice for a party president to be named as prime ministerial candidate. Bersatu will take his name to the PN meeting, where consensus can either accept it or propose another candidate. This is part of Malaysia’s democratic process,” he said. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia political analyst Prof Dr Kartini Aboo Talib @ Khalid said even Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had nominated himself in previous elections. “It gives voters and grassroots supporters a clear narrative while demonstrating political courage. It also consolidates leadership. With the 16th general election approaching, an early nomination could unite the party machinery and minimise internal speculation,” she said. However, partner at ADA Southeast Asia Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani said the timing could backfire. “Bersatu is still in disarray and may struggle to replicate its past performance. Declaring a name now could worsen internal divisions and erode public support,” he said, adding that Muhyiddin’s move may be a calculated strategy to shore up his authority and unify PN. “Voters are weary of political drama. If Muhyiddin hopes to be credible, he must move beyond rhetoric and offer real solutions to everyday issues such as the rising cost of living. “Ultimately, popularity means little if the party machinery cannot deliver. Without grassroots momentum and broader appeal, even the most seasoned leader cannot turn the tide alone,” Asrul said. At the Bersatu assembly, delegates endorsed Muhyiddin as their prime ministerial candidate. Bersatu and PN secretary-general Datuk Seri Azmin Ali later confirmed on Facebook that the decision was unanimous. theSun was made to understand that the proposal had come directly from Muhyiddin himself, according to a party insider. However, several PAS leaders, including deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, have since questioned the need to name a candidate so early. – By IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE

PETALING JAYA: PAS Youth’s decision to push for a prime ministerial candidate is being read as a strategic move to assert influence in Perikatan Nasional (PN) and avoid being overshadowed by ally Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu). Political analysts said the resolution, passed unanimously at PAS Youth’s 71st Muktamar (annual general assembly) on Friday, reflects the Islamic party’s desire to remind Bersatu of its strength while keeping options open ahead of the next general election. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) political analyst Prof Dr Kartini Aboo Talib @ Khalid described the move as “cautious positioning”. “PAS is actually taking a careful approach, as voter sentiment would become clearer closer to the election. The party does not want to act prematurely or get ahead of itself.” She said PAS Youth’s proposal would not fracture the coalition despite Bersatu already nominating its president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as PN’s choice. “Politics is about timing and precision. The reaction from PAS Youth will not divide the opposition. But if PAS decides to leave PN, that would pose a major challenge for Bersatu.” PAS Youth has nominated the party’s deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim PETALING JAYA: The Finance Ministry and Customs Department have been urged to issue an immediate joint clarification on the Sales and Service Tax (SST), following conflicting statements on whether it applies to scholarships. National Association of Private Educational Institutions deputy president Dr Teh Choon Jin said the matter must be settled officially to avoid confusion and ensure schools could continue awarding

“I think Tuan Ibrahim’s view is reasonable. PAS needs to focus on strategies to win the election first. Only after winning should the candidate be decided,” said Kartini. Syaza added: “All this talk about a PM candidate is a distraction. That matter can be discussed by the PN leadership later, when the general election is closer. Right now, the focus should be on mobilising voters.” Senior Fellow at the Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said the development was “rather amusing”, especially if PN ends up with two prime ministerial candidates, as it would signal the bloc’s failure to agree on a single leader and risk shaking voter confidence. He stressed that any coalition – whether Barisan Nasional (BN), Pakatan Harapan (PH) or PN – must present one candidate for prime minister to give voters a clear choice of who will lead the country. “Voters don’t vote for the prime minister directly, but for candidates from the bloc that will eventually form the government,” he told theSun . Azmi added that what made the situation rather humorous was Tuan Ibrahim’s remark that PN would only decide on its candidate after winning the election. RM60,000 per student annually remain taxable at 6%, even if fully or partially covered by scholarships. Teh said the July 1 service tax expansion affects only a narrow segment: of private schools charging above RM60,000 per year and higher education institutions for non-Malaysian students. Government data shows only 27 of 569 registered private schools fall into this bracket. “Still, the treatment of scholarships has become a flashpoint. If scholarships are taxed, the very purpose of offering financial relief is undermined. A scholarship should never be treated as a taxable transaction.” He said inconsistent messaging erodes confidence, complicates compliance and may impact scholarships. “Schools could scale back financial aid to avoid risk exposure, while students and parents lose trust in the fairness and stability of education financing. Over time, this could damage Malaysia’s reputation as a reliable education hub, pushing families and investors elsewhere.” Teh added that taxing scholarships would ultimately pass costs to parents, blunting the purpose of financial aid. “Scholarships are not a luxury, they are a lifeline for access and upward mobility. Taxing them disadvantages students who most need support.” He cautioned that with fewer scholarships, access to quality private education would shrink, particularly at institutions subject to SST, deepening inequality and making private schooling the preserve of the wealthy. “Education is a competitive sector. If Malaysia is seen as inconsistent or unpredictable, families may choose neighbouring countries where rules are clearer and more stable,” he said. – By QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI

Tuan Man for the top post. theSun previously reported that Tuan Ibrahim said there is no necessity to announce a prime ministerial candidate at this stage, stating that PAS is focused on supporting PN in boosting its parliamentary presence ahead of the upcoming general election. “At this point, our main focus within the opposition bloc is to ensure we are capable of forming a government. We are working hard on the ground to make this possible. “As for the prime ministerial candidate, PAS leaves that entirely to the PN presidential council to decide.” International Islamic University Malaysia associate professor Dr Syaza Shukri, a fellow at the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute, said PAS Youth’s move was more about sending a message than challenging Muhyiddin directly. “I think they just want to remind Bersatu who really holds more strength within PN,” she said. “To be honest, I believe they’ll still go with Muhyiddin. It’s just noise – a way to make sure Bersatu doesn’t monopolise PN.” Both Kartini and Syaza agreed with Tuan Ibrahim’s stance that it is premature for PN to decide on a candidate. scholarships without hesitation. “Only a clear directive and updated public FAQs can prevent further confusion, protect deserving students and ensure consistent enforcement.” The debate intensified after Finance Deputy Minister Lim Hui Ying said scholarships, education loans and fee exemptions for Malaysian students would not be taxed. But an internal Customs communique stated that tuition fees above

Call for clarification on scholarship tax

HEALTHY PURSUIT ... Skateboarding enthusiasts enjoying the sport at the Utama Skatepark during the school holidays. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN