A senior leader of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) has said the race for the Perikatan Nasional chairman is not restricted to any single party and should be decided on merit and viability ahead of the next general election.
Dr Yadzil Yaakub, a member of Bersatu’s Supreme Leadership Council, said that while all component parties are entitled to suggest names, the final appointment rests with Perikatan Nasional’s Majlis Tertinggi. He added that both PAS and Bersatu, as coalition partners, must accept the council’s decision.
Perikatan Nasional chairman battle and stakes
Dr Yadzil said the new chairman should command the confidence of the majority of the coalition leadership, possess the stature to lead a multi-party alliance and demonstrate the capacity to steer Perikatan Nasional to success at PRU16. He warned against filling the post merely to plug a vacancy.
“More important than occupying the office is the requirement that the individual can unite the entire coalition, close ranks among leaders and reconcile any existing disputes or differences,” he said in a statement. “The coalition’s interests and the public’s confidence must take precedence over personal or party hierarchies.”
The veteran politician, who serves as the state opposition leader in Melaka, urged all component parties to stop public polemics that risk weakening Perikatan Nasional. He called for renewed focus on strengthening party organisation, sharpening campaign machinery and reconnecting with voters across the country.
The comments follow the resignation of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, which took effect on 1 January. PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang has since indicated that PAS will take the lead in Perikatan Nasional and said a meeting to determine a new chairman will be held next week with leaders from Bersatu expected to attend.
Among the PAS names mentioned as potential candidates are Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar and Sanusi Mohd Nor. Dr Yadzil’s intervention signals that Bersatu is keeping the field open and emphasising a selection process based on consensus and effectiveness rather than exclusivity.
Political analysts say the choice of chairman will be watched closely. A leader who can bridge intra-coalition differences and present a coherent message to voters could strengthen Perikatan Nasional’s position going into PRU16. Conversely, a divisive selection process could magnify existing tensions and undermine campaign efforts.
Dr Yadzil stressed that the Majlis Tertinggi of PN holds the authority to make the final decision and that all parties should submit to that outcome. He underlined that unity and public confidence are the immediate priorities for the coalition as it prepares for the national contest.
With a meeting slated soon, attention will turn to how the coalition balances party interests with the strategic need to present a united front to the electorate in the months ahead.
Key Takeaways:
- Perikatan Nasional chairman contest in Malaysia is open to leaders from any component party, says Bersatu figure.
- Selection will be made by PN’s Supreme Council based on merit, majority support and ability to secure victory at PRU16.
- Leaders urged to set aside disputes, strengthen organisation and focus on voter engagement ahead of the election.
