Perikatan Nasional (PN) is set to appoint a new chairman after Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced his resignation effective 1 January. Party leaders in Kelantan have indicated that Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, president of Pas, is a strong candidate to succeed Muhyiddin.
Abdul Hadi to lead Perikatan Nasional
Datuk Kamaruddin Md. Noor, chairman of Bersatu Kelantan, told reporters the leadership choice is likely to come from Pas because Pas and Bersatu are the two largest parties in the coalition. He noted that PN’s constitution envisages the coalition being led by party heads, which positions Abdul Hadi as the natural successor if Pas assumes the chair.
Speaking at Sultan Ismail Petra Airport in Kota Bharu while welcoming inbound tourists as part of the Visit Malaysia 2026 celebrations, Kamaruddin said Muhyiddin had previously offered the chairmanship to Abdul Hadi, who declined at that time. He added that Bersatu would not object to a Pas chairman and that the appointment should be finalised following consultations among coalition chiefs.
“Logically, the PN chairman will be from Pas. According to PN’s constitution, the person who leads PN is the head of the respective party, and if PAS leads PN then naturally it will be Abdul Hadi,” Kamaruddin said, according to Utusan Malaysia.
Muhyiddin told PN colleagues he was stepping down after five years at the helm and expressed gratitude to the coalition for their support since its formation. The former prime minister’s departure sets in motion a consultative process among PN partners to select a replacement capable of maintaining unity and steering the coalition’s future strategy.
Political analysts say the choice of chairman will be closely watched, both for its domestic implications and for how it might influence PN’s posture ahead of national polls. A Pas chairman could signal a firmer role for the party within the coalition and influence policy priorities where Pas and Bersatu diverge.
For Bersatu in Kelantan, the matter appears manageable. Kamaruddin characterised the issue as one for party leaders to resolve through discussion, and he expressed confidence that an agreement would be reached in the near term.
The transition will be observed by other political formations in Malaysia, given PN’s role in national politics since its creation. A swift and consensual appointment could help preserve coalition cohesion, while drawn-out disputes would present risks to its public standing and electoral preparations.
For now, PN leaders have said formal steps will follow once the coalition’s chiefs complete their talks. Observers expect an announcement in the coming days, after which parties and supporters will assess how the new leadership shapes PN’s immediate priorities and campaign strategy.
Key Takeaways:
- Muhyiddin Yassin has resigned as Perikatan Nasional chairman effective 1 January; a successor will be chosen after party consultations.
- Bersatu Kelantan says Pas president Abdul Hadi Awang is a likely candidate and previously declined the role when offered.
- Bersatu expresses no objection if Pas supplies the new PN chairman, indicating continued cooperation within the coalition.
- The appointment is expected soon and could shape PN’s strategy ahead of future political contests.
