23/02/2026

MONDAY | FEB 23, 2026

FOLLOW

ON TWITTER Malaysian Paper

4

@thesundaily

PAS VP Ahmad Samsuri appointed new PN chairman

SUNGAI PETANI: The political performance of the Madani government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is capable of sustaining political stability and strengthening public confidence in the country’s leadership, said Kedah Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) State Leadership Council chairman Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. He said the federal government has proven its ability to maintain political stability over the past three years, backed by increasingly positive economic indicators. He added that during the period, Malaysia has been led by only one prime minister, in contrast to the previous five years, which saw three changes in the top leadership of the country. “We do not become strong because others are in disarray – that is their business. We become strong when we build our own strength,” he said during a Kedah PKR dialogue session with the media on Saturday. Saifuddin, who is also Home minister, said the party’s key challenge now is to effectively translate the government’s achievements into a clear and accessible communication narrative, enabling the people to better understand the benefits of retaining the current administration. As co-chairman of the Kedah State Development Action Council, he said the public should assess the performance of the federal government, which continues to prioritise the interests of state. “As the opposition in Kedah, apart from playing our check-and-balance through constructive criticism, we will also present alternative proposals at the state level. “The people can evaluate the federal government’s performance and its impact on the rakyat in this state,” he said. – Bernama ‘Madani govt proved ability to maintain stability’ Raub, Lipis divisions dissolved as Bersatu crisis deepens KUANTAN: The Raub and Lipis divisions of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) have dissolved their respective division committees, effective Saturday. Raub Bersatu chief Datuk Fakrunizam Ibrahim said the decision was made due to a loss of trust and respect for the Bersatu leadership. “The entire Raub Bersatu division committee has officially dissolved,“ he said when contacted by Bernama. Also taking the same step was the Lipis Bersatu division, led by Nor Alias Ibrahim, who announced that the decision was reached after a special meeting of the division and branches, during which the unanimous decision was made due to disappointment with the leadership of president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. “The turmoil that has been ongoing for almost a year is very disappointing. “We see that the president has not succeeded in controlling the ongoing turmoil and has done nothing to restore the situation,“ he said. Previously, Bersatu had expelled 17 of its members, including several top leaders, four MPs, and two state assemblymen for violating the party constitution. They still have the right to file an appeal within 14 days. Additionally, it was reported that 22 Bersatu divisions have been dissolved nationwide following the party leadership crisis. – Bernama

o Muhyiddin named deputy, while Abdul Hadi to step down from coalition supreme council but remains as presidential council member

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: PAS vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar ( pic ) has been appointed as Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) new chairman, ending two months of uncertainty at the top of the opposition coalition and opening a new chapter in its leadership. The decision was made at a PN supreme council meeting yesterday, which formally accepted Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s resignation and unanimously approved the appointment of Ahmad Samsuri, who is also Terengganu menteri besar. In another key development, Muhyiddin has been named PN deputy chairman, while PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang will step down from the coalition’s supreme council. PN deputy secretary-general

The appointment has been hailed as beneficial to both PN and PAS. – SUNPIC

Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal as saying Hamzah was expected to retain the role, citing backing from PAS as a key factor. He said Hamzah had the support of about 18 MPs who are current or former Bersatu members, and that PAS had originally proposed him for the position. However, PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man last week said the appointment should reflect broad consensus. Meanwhile, media reports said Bersatu vice-president Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee was dropped as the party’s representative on the PN supreme council hours before he was scheduled to attend a meeting at the PAS headquarters here. Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali was reported to have issued a letter dated Feb 20 stating that Kiandee would be replaced by vice-presidents Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu and Datuk Radzi Jidin, while Kiandee remains a Bersatu vice-president. Kiandee confirmed receiving the letter yesterday. – By Harith Kamal as a strategic compromise rather than a major power shift between PAS and Bersatu. “Well, not so much of a power shift between Bersatu and PAS, but I see it as a compromise – a give-and-take between the two parties. “Previously, there was some hesitation from Bersatu, MIPP and Gerakan about letting PAS lead Perikatan Nasional. “But with the Hamzah Zainudin issue, PAS used this as leverage: ‘If you don’t give us the PN chairmanship, we’ll support Hamzah to remain as opposition leader,’ ” he said. Azmi added that Ahmad Samsuri’s leadership could bring positive change. “He is not a typical PAS leader; he is professional and technocratic, which gives PN an opportunity to attract non-Malay voters. “This is crucial ahead of GE16, as the coalition needs support beyond its traditional base. “Appointing Dr Sam as chairman is beneficial not only for PN but also for PAS, as it is seen as a more open and inclusive move.”

(GE16),” he said. Ahmad Samsuri, widely known as Dr Sam, is Kemaman MP and Rhu Rendang state assemblyman. He has served as Terengganu menteri besar since 2018 and is widely regarded for his technocratic approach and administrative focus. He takes over the PN leadership following

Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan clarified that Abdul Hadi would remain a member of the coalition’s presidential council. The appointment was announced by Takiyuddin at a press conference at the PAS central headquarters, and confirmation was received by theSun through Malaysian Indian People’s Party leader Punithan Paramsiven. Gerakan president Datuk Dominic Lau said the appointment reflected PN’s principles of inclusivity and

Muhyiddin’s resignation effective Jan 1, which left the coalition without a chairman for two months. Muhyiddin had led PN since its formation in 2020 but stepped down amid political developments widely linked to

shared objectives among its component parties. “We congratulate him. We hope he will carry out all responsibilities, especially towards achieving victory in the 16th general election

the fallout from the Perlis crisis. Commenting on the appointment, Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research senior fellow Prof Dr Azmi Hassan described it

Islamic party set to take over opposition leader post

KUALA LUMPUR: Fresh from appointing Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar as its chairman, Perikatan Nasional (PN) is embarking on a broader leadership reset, including a likely change in the opposition leader post. At a supreme council meeting yesterday, PN deputy secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan confirmed that PAS is expected to take over the opposition leader’s position from Bersatu, following discussions between the two parties. The development comes just over a week after Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin was sacked from Bersatu. However, Takiyuddin said no decision had been made on which PAS leader would assume the role, as the component parties needed more time to deliberate and consult stakeholders. Separately, PN has agreed in principle to review and strengthen the functions of its presidential council. Takiyuddin was quoted as saying the council

was already provided under the PN constitution but there were views that the document should be reviewed to make improvements. The matter will be discussed at the next supreme council meeting, he added. He said discussions would involve several issues related to both the presidential and supreme councils, with the aim of strengthening the opposition coalition ahead of elections. Gerakan president Datuk Dominic Lau said PN also plans to amend its constitution to strengthen the presidential council. A dedicated committee will be formed to complete the review within two months, after which the proposed amendments will be submitted for approval and filed with the Registrar of Societies. Hamzah, the MP for Larut, was among 17 members expelled by Bersatu, reportedly for challenging party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. Despite his removal, he continues to hold the opposition leader’s post. Media reports quoted Machang MP