Bersatu’s decision to nominate its president Muhyiddin Yassin as its prime ministerial candidate was guided by three factors: merit, tested leadership and research, according to party information chief Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz.
Tun Faisal said the party held that Muhyiddin‘s vast experience and knowledge qualified him to take on the post. “He also possesses leadership skills that have been tested, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic,” Tun Faisal told FMT.
Research by the party’s think tank, Institut Masa Hadapan Malaysia was a deciding factor, he said.
Muhyiddin was named as Bersatu’s candidate for the top post at the party’s annual meeting earlier this month.
Tun Faisal denied a news report that Bersatu had rejected a call by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang for Perikatan Nasional’s prime ministerial candidate at the next general election to be under 70 and physically healthy.
He said the Malaysiakini report, based on a podcast, did not reflect what he actually stated. He said the episode should be listened to in full.
Tun Faisal said all views on the matter would be discussed and decided by consensus at the PN level. “There is no question of rejecting PAS‘s stance expressed on its platform. The same applies to other PN component parties as well,” he added.
Hadi’s remarks appeared to be a rejection of Muhyiddin, who is 78. Muhyiddin’s deputy, opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin, is 68 and has often been touted as a potential prime ministerial candidate for PN.
PAS had moved a motion at its muktamar over the weekend to “lead PN and have a PAS prime ministerial candidate”.
Earlier today, PAS vice-president Idris Ahmad urged all parties to respect the decisions made by PAS and Bersatu at their annual meetings. “Everyone should respect the right of both parties to make their own decisions,” Idris said in a statement.
He said PAS remains committed to continuing to work with its coalition partners in PN in preparation for the next general election.
