KUALA LUMPUR – Discussions on who will succeed Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as chairman of Perikatan Nasional (PN) will only take place once his resignation is formally confirmed by the coalition’s supreme council, said PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.
He stressed that PN has yet to convene any meeting to deliberate on the matter, despite speculation that the post could go to PAS.
“We want to first finalize the confirmation of the chairman’s resignation. After that, we propose that the political parties sit down and discuss who will become chairman,” he told reporters at the World Al-Quds Week celebration.
Tuan Ibrahim added that PAS has not submitted any list of candidates for the position at this stage.
Speculation has grown after Muhyiddin’s resignation took effect on January 1, following the Perlis political crisis that saw the menteri besar’s post shift from PAS to Bersatu. Talk of PAS vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar as a possible successor has stirred unease, with whispers that Muhyiddin could return to the helm.
Defending PAS’s suitability to lead PN, Tuan Ibrahim pointed to the party’s track record and broad support.
“We see the public’s support for PAS leadership. There is no problem at all. Do not look at PAS as only ulama. We also have professionals in PAS — economists, political experts, many areas of expertise,” he said.
He also highlighted the leadership credentials of Samsuri and Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, noting their ability to govern without controversy across communities.
“No polemic has arisen in those states, whether among Malays or non-Malays,” he said.
Tuan Ibrahim’s remarks came in response to former PAS leader Zuhdi Marzuki, who argued it was not yet time for PAS to lead PN given sentiment among non-Muslim voters.
Addressing concerns raised by Tasek Gelugor MP Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan about Gerakan and Parti Rakyat India Malaysia, Tuan Ibrahim insisted PAS was not the reason other parties struggled to gain support.
“We have been more successful by sweeping Terengganu, winning in Kelantan, Kedah, and Perlis,” he said. – January 10, 2026