TERENGGANU Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar has emerged as the most suitable candidate from PAS to take the helm of Perikatan Nasional (PN), as the Islamist party prepares to assert its leadership over the opposition coalition following Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s resignation as chairman.
Political analysts have praised Samsuri for his measured and technocratic approach, viewing him as a figure capable of commanding respect from both Bersatu and other PN component parties.
“PN needs someone who is neutral and professional, and Sanusi is often seen as too extreme,” said Dr Azmi Hassan from Academy Nusantara.
“Compared with Sanusi, Samsuri is considered less conservative and better positioned to retain PN’s existing non-Malay supporters. PN needs a professional figure like Dr Sam who does not project extreme views or policies.”
PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang confirmed that the party will now assume leadership of PN, holding a special meeting next week to select a chairman.
Hadi stressed that the role will not be filled by any Bersatu leader, reflecting PAS’ ambition to assert itself as the coalition’s dominant force ahead of the next general election.
Dr Oh Ei Sun, Senior Fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, said that PAS views the transition as an opportunity to consolidate Malay support while relegating Bersatu to a secondary role.
“PAS would covet the post for itself, as it would like to finally take off its gloves and jump into the fray of leading the opposition in anticipation of the next general election,” he said.
“PAS’ immediate focus is on rounding up as many Malay voters as possible by targeting Malay-majority and Malay-dominant constituencies. If successful, major East Malaysian parties may eventually align themselves with PN, despite current rhetorical resistance.”
However, analysts caution that attracting non-Malay support may prove challenging even under Samsuri’s chairmanship. Professor James Chin noted, “I do not see how PN will be able to attract non-Malay voters in the GE.
Especially with PAS leading the coalition. Even if Dr Sam is the chairman, the ulama faction in PAS is still influential in its decision-making process.”
Dr Azmi echoed these concerns, adding that governing a state does not automatically translate into leading a multi-party coalition.
“Dr Sam may help present a more moderate face for PN, but there is still no guarantee that non-Malays will back the coalition.”
Despite these uncertainties, all three observers agreed that PAS’ selection of a PN chairman will send a strong signal regarding the coalition’s strategic direction—whether it intends to focus on consolidating Malay-centric support or pursue a broader, more inclusive approach ahead of the general election. - January 2, 2026
