KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 30): Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) has publicly declared its readiness to take the helm of Perikatan Nasional (PN) after Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced he is stepping down as the chairman of the opposition coalition, effective Jan 1, 2026.
PAS’ statement came just hours after Muhyiddin, Malaysia’s eighth prime minister and the president of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), said he would relinquish the top position. Muhyiddin’s move prompted PN secretary general Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali and Johor PN chief Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal to also resign.
“PAS…hereby offers its readiness to lead PN in order to strengthen the organisation and prepare for the state elections and the 16th general election (GE16)," said PAS secretary general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan in a statement on Tuesday.
The party also urged all stakeholders to reflect on recent developments and take steps to reinforce public trust in PN.
Muhyiddin has been the PN chairman since 2020, after deposing Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as the prime minister and leader of Bersatu. Under Muhyiddin, PN was formally consolidated as a coalition anchored by Bersatu and PAS.
As early as September, PAS had expressed its intention to lead PN, with its youth wing’s resolution to replace Bersatu ahead of the GE16 receiving a unanimous vote. Tensions rose after Bersatu nominated Muhyiddin as its preferred leader, causing unease within PAS, the coalition’s largest party.