PERIKATAN Nasional (PN) in Perlis has signalled strong backing for PAS President Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang as the preferred figure to lead the coalition at the national level, while reaffirming that it will support any candidate he chooses to assume the role of PN chairman.
Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, PN Perlis chairman, said that Abdul Hadi had previously indicated that PAS would take the helm of PN, and all parties should respect that decision.
“The most suitable candidate for PN chairman, who else but Tok Guru (Abdul Hadi)? Any other candidate is up to Tok Guru. Whoever he appoints, we will support without question, whether it is Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, or Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man. It does not matter; we will pledge allegiance and follow the directive,” Shahidan said after officiating a shrimp fishing pond in Kangar yesterday.
Shahidan emphasised that leadership appointments within political coalitions are typically determined with due consideration of seniority and experience. “PN is a platform for uniting the efforts of PAS and BERSATU, so we must take seniority within the coalition into account,” he said.
The remarks come amid a recent wave of resignations from senior PN leaders, including outgoing PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who stepped down to pave the way for PAS leadership as the coalition positions itself for the 16th General Election.
Shahidan’s statements underscore PN Perlis’ commitment to a unified leadership transition and the coalition’s adherence to established hierarchy and experience in determining its future direction. - January 3, 2025
