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NATIONAL 2 theSun on Sunday MAR 29, 2026

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‘PAS needs coalition partners to win in polls’

Selangor key to victory in next GE: Ex-state exco PETALING JAYA: Winning Selangor is the key to capturing Putrajaya, says former Selangor PAS commissioner and former state senior exco Datuk Iskandar Abdul Samad. He said though the 2018 general election saw Pakatan Harapan (PH) take over the federal government, toppling the mighty Barisan Nasional, PN’s success did not happen overnight. He added that it was the result of groundwork laid through earlier electoral victories in Selangor during the 2008 and 2013 general elections (GE). “Even before PH was formally established, the parties that later formed the federal government had already strengthened their base in Selangor. “This proves that Selangor is not just a developed state but also a political bellwether that determines the national direction,” he said in a statement. Iskandar said if PN is serious about forming the next federal government, winning Selangor is no longer optional but a strategic necessity. He said despite having only 22 parliamentary seats, Selangor carries outsized influence due to its demographic and economic significance. “Support from Selangor voters reflects broader sentiments across the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, which remains the most densely populated and politically decisive region. “Strategic planning, aggressive groundwork and a people-centric approach must be carried out in a coordinated manner to rebuild public confidence.” He said the recent leadership change in the state PN chapter following the resignation of its chairman as an opportunity to inject fresh momentum into the coalition. The former Cempaka assemblyman said the appointment of a new state chairman should be seen as a chance to present clearer direction, refreshed messaging and stronger organisational capacity at all levels. He cautioned that PN Selangor appears to have lost momentum following the last election. “If this situation continues, the ambition to capture Selangor will remain mere rhetoric.” He said PAS, as a core component of PN at the national level, must play a more prominent role in driving the coalition’s efforts in the state. “Today’s voters want to see consistent presence, tangible assistance and genuine concern, not just during election periods.” He reiterated that Selangor remains a key battleground in determining federal power. Following the recent leadership reshuffle within PN, which saw PAS vice-president Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar assume the bloc’s chairmanship from Bersatu chief Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, PAS has taken on a hands on leadership role within the coalition. – By Ikhwan Zulkaflee

Islamic party aware of own limitations, understands need to strengthen its position within Perikatan Nasional, says its former state chief

narrowly focuses on religious issues. “There is still a perception that PAS is solely a religious-based party, which may limit its appeal among certain segments of society.” He said this perception does not accurately reflect the party’s internal composition which includes a wide range of professionals across multiple disciplines. “In reality, PAS has a diverse pool of professionals – doctors, engineers and others – alongside those with strong religious credentials. These are all forms of expertise that contribute to the party’s strength.” He argued that better communication of this diversity is essential to broadening the party’s support base, especially among non Malay and urban voters in Selangor. He added that at the coalition level, the leadership of PN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar could help reshape public perception and strengthen voter confidence. “The party now presents a more positive image that can be well received by the public as PN is now under the leadership of Ahmad Samsuri.”

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

while also expanding its appeal to Malaysia’s multiracial electorate. “The key priority now is to reinforce PN as a coalition built on core parties with strong Malay support while also embracing multiracial participation from other component parties,” he told theSun. Ahmad Yunus said such a strategy would provide the coalition with its best opportunity to make significant gains in the next election cycle. Reflecting on PAS’ past role in government, he said the party already has an established administrative track record, including its involvement in Selangor during its time in the former Pakatan Rakyat coalition. “PAS has governance experience in state administration. That foundation already exists but it needs to be strengthened further. Lingering public perceptions remain a key challenge for the party, particularly that PAS

PETALING JAYA: It would be hard for PAS to regain control of Selangor without its coalition partners, said former Selangor PAS chief and ex Selangor state exco Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi. He said PAS is aware of its own limitations, and understands the need to strengthen its position within Perikatan Nasional (PN) to remain competitive in the next state election. He described the current political landscape as one that requires coalition-based strength rather than unilateral dominance, particularly in a diverse and highly contested state such as Selangor. The Kuala Langat MP said PN’s prospects hinge on its ability to consolidate support across its component parties, particularly those with strong Malay grassroots backing,

Ahmad Yunus said PAS already has an established administrative track record, including its involvement in Selangor during its time in the former Pakatan Rakyat coalition. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

PN ready to take over Perak, says former menteri besar PETALING JAYA: PAS has a strong bench of qualified leaders who can be considered for the menteri besar post, not just the five names put forward by Perak PAS Youth, said former Perak menteri besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu. He said the move to name potential candidates reflects the coalition’s preparedness to take over the last northern state still governed by a bloc outside Perikatan Nasional (PN). “PN is indeed ready to take over the Perak state government. God willing, with the support of the people, this will happen in the next general election. “PN, with a line-up of leaders from PAS, Bersatu, Gerakan and the Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP), is very capable of administering the state more effectively, “We work as one team. If we put forward any leader, that individual will represent PN as a whole, not just a single party,” he told theSun via WhatsApp. Ahmad Faizal, who is also a former Perak PN chairman, said it is unsurprising for PAS to have a wide pool of capable leaders, given its political experience. “I have worked with many PAS leaders and in my view, they have more capable figures beyond the five mentioned. The same can also be said of Gerakan and MIPP,” said Ahmad Faizal, who served as Perak menteri besar (2018-2020.) Ahmad Faizal was commenting

Kamunting assemblyman and Perak PAS secretary Mohd Fakhrudin Abdul Aziz as well as Manjoi assemblyman and PAS central youth deputy chief Hafez Sabri. Ties between PAS and Bersatu have shown signs of strain, particularly following the Perlis MB episode in 2025, which saw Sanglang PAS rep Mohd Shukri Ramli stepping down after losing majority support in the state assembly. – By Ikhwan Zulkaflee

on a statement by Perak PAS Youth strategic director Nurhafizul Badrul Hisham, who identified five PAS leaders as potential menteri besar candidates should the party win in the upcoming election. The individuals named include Perak PAS commissioner and vice-president Datuk Seri Idris Ahmad, who is also the Bagan Serai MP, Perak state assembly opposition leader Razman Zakaria, Selama assemblyman Mohd Akmal Kamarudin,