PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man has downplayed the urgency of naming Perikatan Nasional’s prime ministerial candidate, as pressure mounts over who should lead the coalition in the next general election.
“Strengthening our election machinery and addressing the people’s problems … these are more important to focus on,” Tuan Ibrahim told FMT.
This comes as Bersatu secretary-general Azmin Ali announced yesterday that the party’s annual general assembly unanimously resolved to nominate its president, Muhyiddin Yassin, as PN’s candidate for the top post.
PN has long faced internal debates over its poster boy for the 16th general election, which should be held by early 2028.
PAS election director Sanusi Nor said in response that Bersatu should not be “overly enthusiastic” to make important political decisions for PN, and that any decision must be made with consensus among the coalition’s partners.
PAS spiritual leader Hashim Jasin also denied last November that Muhyiddin had been confirmed as PN’s official choice, saying PAS itself could lead the coalition.
On July 29 this year, Hashim reiterated that PN would settle the matter only after it had captured Putrajaya.
Earlier today, Bersatu Supreme Council member Yadzil Yaakub said the party’s endorsement of Muhyiddin was not final.
The Bemban assemblyman said the final decision still rests with PN’s Supreme Council, which comprises leaders from Bersatu, PAS, Gerakan, and Malaysian Indian People’s Party.
“PAS can also announce its own prime ministerial candidate at its upcoming congress (from Sept 11 to 16),’ he said.
