THE top cleric of Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) has expressed confidence that the party will one day lead the federal government, although for now its primary focus ahead of the 16th General Election (GE16) is securing victory, not nominating a prime ministerial candidate.
“Our main focus is to win the general election. We must ensure the campaign machinery and election strategy are effective—bring down the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional government first,” said PAS Dewan Ulama chief, Datuk Ahmad Yahaya.
“Only after that should we decide who is qualified.
“Furthermore, the appointment of a Prime Minister must receive the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. My view is simple—when the time comes, PAS will become Prime Minister. A leader will be determined at that point,” he said during an interview following the PAS Youth Assembly held here last night.
While responding to Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s (Bersatu) decision to name its preferred 11th Prime Minister candidate during its Annual General Assembly last Saturday, Ahmad said that such a move was the party’s prerogative.
“That was Bersatu’s AGM. So, the members and leadership of Bersatu have the right to propose motions and express views on the country’s future,” he said.
Ahmad, who also serves as Kedah PAS Commissioner, added that PAS equally reserves the right to raise motions during its own assembly, just as any component party within Perikatan Nasional (PN) may do.
“In the context of Perikatan Nasional, of course, decisions must be made collectively. But each party—PAS, Gerakan, or any other—has the space to put forward motions,” he explained. - September 12, 2025
