KOTA BARU: Pas believes Perikatan Nasional should prioritise strengthening itself at all levels before deciding on who should be the coalition’s prime ministerial candidate in the next general election.
The party’s deputy president, Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, said the decision on the candidate must involve all component parties within PN.
“Pas respects Bersatu’s stand in making internal proposals and decisions, as that is the right of every political party.
“However, when it comes to determining who will be prime minister, menteri besar or chief minister, it must be a collective decision within the coalition and carefully refined,” he told the New Straits Times.
Tuan Ibrahim said Pas was more focused on empowering its grassroots machinery, engaging with the people and strengthening efforts to secure victory rather than debating over who should hold top positions.
He also said it was important to respect the Federal Constitution and state constitutions when proposing names for prime minister or menteri besar, as the appointments are ultimately the prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or the state rulers.
“At this stage, PN must strengthen itself whether at state, divisional or branch level.
“I am confident every party has its own capable leadership line-up, whether to lead the party or the country.
“When the time comes, PN will announce the appropriate candidate,” he said.
Tuan Ibrahim was reacting to media reports that Bersatu, at its eighth annual general meeting over the weekened had endorsed its president, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, as the party’s candidate for prime minister.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
