KUALA LUMPUR — PAS has described Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s intention to step down as Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman as a wise and appropriate move, saying the coalition needs renewed momentum as it gears up for the 16th General Election (GE16).
In a Facebook post this morning, PAS Information Chief and Pasir Mas Member of Parliament Fadhli Saari said Muhyiddin’s plan to relinquish the post effective January 1, 2026 reflected an open and statesmanlike approach to leadership transition within the opposition coalition.
“Tan Sri Muhyiddin’s decision is wise and timely, especially at a moment when Perikatan Nasional requires fresh momentum and a stronger organisational push towards GE16,” Fadhli said in a statement.
He expressed confidence that PAS would put forward a suitable candidate from within the party to assume the role of PN chairman, stressing that the position does not necessarily have to be held by the party president.
“What is more important is that the individual chosen is capable of mobilising and consolidating the strengths of all component parties under Perikatan Nasional,” he said.
Fadhli added that a restructuring of PN’s organisational framework is expected to follow the leadership transition, with a sharper focus on grassroots mobilisation and coordinated political work.
“Undoubtedly, there will be changes within the PN organisation to ensure greater focus on operational and ground-level efforts moving forward,” he said.
Congratulating Muhyiddin for his openness, Fadhli also extended his well wishes to the incoming PN chairman.
“PAS congratulates Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for his openness and contribution, and we wish the new Perikatan Nasional chairman every success in carrying out his responsibilities,” he said.
Meanwhile, Muhyiddin, in a statement confirmed his resignation as Chairman of Perikatan Nasional.
“I would like to express my gratitude to all PN leaders who have given me their full support during my leadership of PN since its formation five years ago.
“I wish every success to the entire PN leadership and its component parties,” the statement read.
Earlier, a Bersatu source revealed that the former prime minister conveyed the move through a WhatsApp group comprising PN MPs, stating his intention to step down from the coalition’s leadership.
An official announcement is expected to be made in the near future.
Muhyiddin’s decision was also confirmed by Bersatu Member of Parliament Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, who is known as one of the party’s more outspoken dissenting voices, as well as another Bersatu lawmaker who declined to be named.
Both are members of the WhatsApp group and confirmed the message to Malaysiakini. – December 30, 2025