18/09/2025

THURSDAY | SEPT 18, 2025

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PAS stand on leadership seen as rebuff to Muhyiddin

Perikatan thrives on consensus, not dominance, says Bersatu PETALING JAYA: Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Azmin Ali has affirmed that all component parties within PN are entitled to express their views, stressing that diversity of opinion is both welcomed and respected. He said Bersatu’s annual general assembly had unanimously agreed to nominate party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also PN chairman, as the coalition’s candidate for Malaysia’s 11th prime minister. Azmin emphasised that PN is built on equal partnership, not on a “big brother” model like Barisan Nasional (BN). “In PN, no single party dominates. We practise mutual respect and shared leadership, in which each component party has an equal say in shaping the coalition’s direction.” He added that differing views within PN should be seen as a strength rather than weakness, with all perspectives channelled to the PN Supreme Council for collective decision-making. “This consultative spirit has guided PN since its inception. Through musyawarah (discussion), we will deliver both victory and meaningful change for the people,” he said. Azmin was responding to remarks by PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang at the party’s Muktamar in Kedah on Monday. Hadi had said PN’s prime minister candidate must be knowledgeable, physically fit and of high integrity. “We are ready to lead Malaysia, but our priority is first to win the election. Once we secure enough support, the issue of leadership will be decided internally,” Hadi was quoted as saying. Bersatu supreme council member Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said he did not view Hadi’s remarks as an attempt to override PN’s decisions. “His statement was open. He didn’t say only PAS could propose a candidate. He simply outlined clear criteria – under 70, healthy, knowledgeable and free from court cases. By that measure, there are many qualified individuals, from PAS and Bersatu alike,” he told theSun. He pointed to Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, currently opposition leader in Parliament, as one candidate who fits the bill. “PAS had proposed him as opposition leader, so I don’t see an issue there. But any final decision rests with the PN Supreme Council,”he said, adding that the matter need not be rushed. “Since Bersatu has named its candidate, PAS naturally responded. From Hadi’s statement, it’s clear PAS is open to supporting any candidate who meets the criteria.” Bersatu Youth chief Hilman Idham echoed the sentiment, stressing PN’s foundation lies in consensus, not dominance. “PAS’ success is PN’s success, and PN’s success is shared by all its parties – Bersatu, Gerakan and the Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP). PAS’ readiness to lead reflects PN’s readiness to govern in the next general election. “In PN, coalition ethics emphasise mutual respect. No party should interfere in another’s internal affairs.” Muhyiddin meanwhile, responded by saying that the PN Supreme Council will meet next week to decide on the matter. He said PAS, being the largest party in PN, has the right to nominate whomever it deems fit for the PN chairmanship and premiership. – By IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Political analysts say age and fitness criteria signal bid for greater influence in PN and could shift coalition dynamics

PETALING JAYA: PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang’s criteria for Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) prime minister candidate has been read as a direct snub to coalition chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, analysts say. Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) deputy vice-chancellor (Academic and International Affairs) Prof Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani said the message from PAS was clear – Muhyiddin, who is 77, no longer fits the bill. “Based on age, yes, it’s evident that PAS has rejected Muhyiddin as a candidate for the future prime minister role,” he told theSun via WhatsApp, noting that the proposal to renominate Muhyiddin came from his own party (Bersatu) at its recent annual general assembly. However, Mohd Azizuddin dismissed suggestions that PAS could yet play kingmaker at the next general election. “PAS now feels strong and believes it should lead Malaysian politics. But in my view, it is not yet in a position to act as kingmaker. Public support can shift at any time, it’s still too early to make that judgment.” Asia Institute Tasmania at the University of Tasmania director Prof James Chin shared a similar view, saying PAS’ preference for someone younger was an open secret.

“In addition, the person must be appointed by the Yang diPertuan Agong, who must be convinced that the individual has the majority support.” Jayum agreed that a prime minister must be clean and of high integrity but rejected the idea that age disqualified a leader. “There is wisdom in age and experience. As the Dayak proverb says, ‘those who have tasted salt and sour first’ have gained wisdom that cannot be acquired in the classroom. Thus, not all who are ‘old’ are useless.” On Monday, Abdul Hadi said PN’s prime ministerial candidate must be “knowledgeable, physically fit and of high integrity”. “We (PN) are ready to lead Malaysia, but our main priority is to first win the election and secure enough support. “Once we win, the issue of who will lead will be decided internally by the PN coalition. “People over the age of 70, like myself, are no longer suitable for the role. “We can serve as advisors, but the prime minister should be someone under 70 and physically strong,” he said at the 71st PAS general assembly.

“Yes, it’s a well-known fact that PAS does not support Muhyiddin and prefers someone younger like (opposition leader) Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin to take over. They believe Muhyiddin doesn’t have the ability to lead PN and become its poster boy or prime minister nominee going into the next general election.” Chin added that PAS Muktamar (general assembly) this year had sent a clear signal that the Islamic party wanted a bigger role in the coalition. “PAS will no longer go along with Muhyiddin unless given a bigger say in the coalition,” he said, cautioning that the move could undermine PN’s chances of attracting non-Muslim support. Meanwhile, Academy of Sciences Malaysia Fellow and Universiti Teknologi Mara’s Malay Rulers Institution Chair Datuk Dr Jayum Jawan stressed that Abdul Hadi’s “criteria” carried no constitutional weight. “The sole requirement to become the prime minister is that the individual must be a member of the Dewan Rakyat and must command the support of the majority, at least 111 members of the House.

Chin said it was well-known that PAS does not support Muhyiddin and prefers someone younger such as Hamzah (left) to take over. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN FILEPIC

Islamic party pushes for ‘big brother’ role PETALING JAYA: PAS leaders have signalled the party’s readiness to be the “big brother” in Perikatan Nasional, positioning PAS for greater influence in shaping the coalition’s strategies and political direction. adding that growing dissatisfaction with the Madani government was fuelling calls for change. “PAS is ready to lead the people and ensure their aspirations are fulfilled,” said the former Selangor exco.

recent decision to endorse Muhyiddin as its candidate for the 11th prime minister during its annual general assembly earlier this month. PAS emerged as the biggest winner in the 15th General Election, which resulted in a hung parliament. The party secured 49 parliamentary seats, surpassing DAP (40), PKR (31), Umno (26) and Bersatu (25). Its previous best performance was in 1999, when it won 27 seats. At state level, PAS governs four states - Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu - collectively known as SG4. The bloc has set up SG4 Group Sdn Bhd to pool resources and share economic benefits for joint development. – By IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE

Last Saturday, PAS vice-president and Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said the timing was right for PAS to assume leadership of PN. “We are monitoring the views of various quarters, including feedback from party wings. I believe the proposal is important and will be discussed at tomorrow’s central committee meeting,” he said in Hulu Terengganu. On Sept 12, PAS Youth unanimously passed a motion at its general assembly calling for the party to lead PN and the nation, proposing deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man as its preferred candidate for prime minister. The move came in response to Bersatu’s

PAS central working committee member Datuk Iskandar Abdul Samad said the push for PAS to lead PN was not merely a party aspiration but also a reflection of grassroots sentiment. “Many Malaysians, especially at the grassroots, believe PAS has the leadership capability to steer Perikatan forward. This has nothing to do with Bersatu’s decision to nominate Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as its prime ministerial candidate – it is simply what the people want,” he told theSun via WhatsApp,

As proof of its intent, Iskandar said the PN headquarters should be relocated to PAS’ main office on Jalan Raja Laut in Kuala Lumpur. “This move would show that PAS’ aspiration is not rhetoric, but a serious commitment.” Fellow committee member Tan Sri Annuar Musa said it was high time for PAS to take charge. “We are ready to move to the next level, God willing. We are already the largest single party in Parliament,” said the former Ketereh MP.