KUALA LUMPUR – Perikatan Nasional chief Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is seemingly on shaky ground following the recent high-level meeting between former two-time prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang.
In a Facebook post, former minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak said there is a possibility that Dr Mahathir might be made the de facto leader of PN.
“Dr Mahathir’s track record is far more impressive,” he said, implying that it's only natural for PAS to favour Dr Mahathir over Muhyiddin.
Salleh said Hadi would be keen on maintaining the strides PAS took during the 15th general election and recent state elections, amid the “green wave” and that his alliance with Dr Mahathir seems to be a strategic move to ensure the momentum continues.
On the other hand, Muhyiddin, known for his political aspirations, may not be keen on staying passive amidst these developments.
According to Salleh, Muhyiddin believes that in politics, there is no permanent enemy.
As such, he said he may venture into alternative political avenues to ensure that his interests remain protected.
Earlier in the month, a delegation from PAS, comprising Hadi and the four menteris besar from the states it controls, met with Dr Mahathir to supposedly discuss state-level economic development.
Following the meeting, an official alliance of the four state governments of Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis was announced, with Dr Mahathir mooted as an unofficial adviser.
Salleh also revealed that Dr Mahathir is set to play a crucial role in bringing foreign investments to these states, with the latter also aiming for a significant political resurgence.
Given that these states are Malay-dominated, such a move is likely aimed at consolidating his Malay support base and also attract some non-Malay support.
For PAS, teaming up with the former Langkawi MP is a strategic approach to appeal to moderate Malays.
Salleh also emphasised Dr Mahathir’s political mantra: “the end justifies the means,” highlighting how in his political playbook, loyalty is fluid, and there are neither permanent friends nor eternal enemies. – The Vibes, September 22, 2023
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