Potential Leadership Shift within Perikatan Nasional: PAS Poised to Take the Helm?
KUALA LUMPUR – The political landscape of Malaysia’s Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition is abuzz with speculation following the resignation of its chairman, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, effective today. While a definitive successor has yet to be named, a prominent voice from Bersatu Kelantan suggests that PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang is a strong contender, and indeed, the logical choice, to fill the vacant leadership role.
Datuk Kamaruddin Md Noor, chairman of Bersatu Kelantan, articulated this perspective, citing the significant standing of PAS and Bersatu as the two dominant parties within the coalition. He revealed that Muhyiddin himself had previously extended an offer for the chairmanship to Abdul Hadi, an offer that was reportedly declined at the time.
“Given that PN is fundamentally comprised of two major parties, Bersatu and PAS, with other component parties playing supporting roles, it stands to reason that the next PN chairman should hail from PAS,” Kamaruddin stated. He further elaborated, referencing the PN constitution, which designates party leaders as the coalition’s leadership. “If PAS is to lead PN in the future, it would naturally fall to Tan Sri Abdul Hadi,” he added.
Kamaruddin made these remarks following his participation in an event welcoming tourists at Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (LTSIP) in Kota Bharu, coinciding with the commencement of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026).
However, the possibility of Abdul Hadi assuming the chairmanship is not the sole consideration within PAS. The party’s information chief, Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, had previously indicated that the individual chosen to lead PN might not necessarily be the party president. Instead, the focus, he suggested, would be on selecting a leader with the capability to effectively consolidate the collective strength of the PN coalition.
Fadhli also indicated that the appointment of the new PN chairman is anticipated to occur relatively soon, pending the outcome of discussions aimed at reaching a consensus among all coalition leaders.
“For the PN chairman appointment, all party leaders within PN will engage in discussions to arrive at an agreement on the new appointment,” Fadhli explained. He affirmed Bersatu’s stance, stating, “We in Bersatu have no objection if the PN chairman appointed later comes from PAS.”
Adding to the discourse, PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man had earlier confirmed that the party would indeed put forward a list of potential candidates for consideration as the new PN chairman, to succeed Muhyiddin. This crucial matter is slated for deliberation at an upcoming meeting of the PN Supreme Council (MKT).
The potential leadership transition within Perikatan Nasional underscores the internal dynamics and strategic considerations that are paramount for the coalition’s future direction. As discussions progress, the ultimate decision is expected to reflect a commitment to unity and the effective leadership required to navigate the evolving Malaysian political landscape. The coming weeks will be critical in determining who will steer Perikatan Nasional through its next chapter.
