PAS now ready to lead PN - Takiyuddin

PAS now ready to lead PN - Takiyuddin

B Nantha Kumar & Hariz Mohd
Published: Sep 16, 2025 6:33 PM
Updated: 8:33 PM



Summary

• PAS sec-gen Takiyuddin Hassan says party now ready to play bigger role within Perikatan Nasional.

• Takiyuddin says this is backed by its parliamentary strength – 43 seats – and control of four state governments.

• PAS will name its PM candidate based on mandate received from its 71st muktamar, he adds.

PAS MUKTAMAR | PAS closed its biggest annual assembly this evening with a clear signal – in line with its members’ demands – that the party is now prepared to play a bigger role within Perikatan Nasional.

PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said the party had previously been offered the PN chairmanship, directly by Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin himself.

“That’s why now we (PAS) state that we are ready to become PN chair,” he told reporters after the conclusion of the 71st PAS muktamar at the Kedah PAS Complex in Alor Setar earlier today.

Takiyuddin (above, right) explained that PAS had rejected the offer before, taking into account the political circumstances at the time. Then, he said, PAS believed Muhyiddin was more suitable given his position as former prime minister.

“But now we are ready. If we are asked, we are prepared. We are the only party that has lasted 74 years, and we are a mainstream party,” he said.

He added that PAS’ readiness is also backed by its parliamentary strength – 43 seats – and control of four state governments, as well as the number of seats it has won compared to Bersatu in other states.

PAS to name PM candidate

Takiyuddin, who is also Kota Bharu MP, said PAS will name its prime ministerial candidate based on the mandate received during the assembly.

He stressed that the assembly is the party’s highest decision-making body, and decisions made there will be implemented – but through negotiation.

“Usually, our practice is to send a notice or official letter to PN component parties. Maybe they will also discuss among themselves, and then we will bring it to the PAS council,” he said when asked whether Bersatu still has room to discuss the PM candidate.

For the record, Bersatu’s recent annual assembly unanimously endorsed Muhyiddin as their candidate for Malaysia’s 11th prime minister. However, PAS did not react positively to the resolution.

PAS central election director deputy chief Annuar Musa even advised Bersatu to “purify itself first by improving its image and policies, and restoring public trust.”

Annuar, a former BN secretary-general, added that Bersatu should also prepare a new line of leaders with “high integrity and the ability to take the country to new heights.”

PAS spiritual leader Hashim Jasin likewise reminded Bersatu to be more cautious in making any PN-related announcements and to uphold the principle of consultation.

Still, several Bersatu leaders defended the decision as their party’s right.

Criteria for PM candidate

Commenting further, Takiyuddin said in his policy speech, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang only outlined the qualities of a prime minister.

“If there are PAS leaders who fit the criteria set by PAS, then we can put them forward as prime minister candidates.

“So, the president’s approach now is to face the 16th general election and win as many seats as possible. Without winning, there is no point in talking about prime ministers,” he said.

Takiyuddin did not rule out the possibility of PAS accepting a PM candidate from outside the party if the individual possesses the qualities PAS deems necessary.

“When it comes to the prime minister, they must be close to PAS members themselves. Whether they come from within the leadership or perhaps from outside does not stop us (from considering them),” he said.

However, he noted that the newly elected PAS leadership lineup has many leaders qualified to be put forward as PM candidates.