Senior PAS figure says winning GE16 matters more than naming a PM candidate

Senior PAS figure says winning GE16 matters more than naming a PM candidate



PAS Dewan Ulamak chief Datuk Ahmad Yahaya said yesterday that the party is focused on toppling the unity government before deciding on a prime ministerial candidate. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin

Friday, 12 Sep 2025 9:15 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 — For PAS, winning the 16th general election (GE16) takes precedence over naming a candidate for Malaysia’s 11th prime minister, according to its Dewan Ulamak chief, Datuk Ahmad Yahaya.

Speaking at the PAS Youth Muktamar in Kota Sarang Semut, Kedah last night, Berita Harian reported Ahmad as saying that the party’s priority was strengthening its election machinery to defeat the unity government.

“For PAS it’s simple — the main focus is winning the election. We must ensure our election machinery is strong, our groundwork is solid, and that we first topple the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional government.

“After that, the right person will be determined. More so since the appointment of the prime minister must receive the King’s consent,” he said, as cited by the national daily.


Under the Federal Constitution, GE16 must be held by February 17, 2028 at the latest.



Ahmad, who is also Kedah PAS commissioner, said the party’s approach mirrored its tradition of not naming menteri besar candidates in states it controls, though its leaders are eventually chosen for the role.

“My view on national leadership is straightforward: when the time comes, PAS will have a prime minister,” he added.


His comments follow Bersatu’s move at its annual assembly last weekend to nominate its candidate for prime minister, a move Ahmad described as the party’s prerogative.

“That was Bersatu’s annual general assembly, so its members and leaders had the right to table motions and air their views about the country’s future.

“But within the Perikatan Nasional coalition, decisions must of course be made collectively. For individual parties, however — like PAS — we also have the right to bring forward any motion at our muktamar. Gerakan, for instance, may have its own views,” he said.