Former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin draws the most ire from Perikatan Nasional’s foes, making him the coalition’s most esteemed leader, says Bersatu’s Afif Bahardin.
The Supreme Council member finds it no shock that his party president faces constant barbs from rivals.
Revered Target Amid Internal Snipes
Afif argues such flak proves Muhyiddin’s lasting sway in PN, per Utusan Malaysia.
He chides some Bersatu voices attacking Muhyiddin, saying it harms the party.
“What stands out in PN is that rivals revere Muhyiddin most,” Afif noted.
The Taman Medan assemblyman addressed claims Muhyiddin eyes a second PM term to help his son-in-law.
Muhyiddin quit as PN chairman Jan 1, soon after Perlis saw its menteri besar post flip from PAS to Bersatu.
Succession Race Heats Up
PN Supreme Council has not named a successor, prompting PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang’s emergency meeting call.
Hadi eyes the post for PAS, with names like deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man and vice-president Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, Terengganu menteri besar, in play.
Afif brushes off Bersatu’s Perlis move as PN’s “maturing process,” rooted in opinion clashes with PAS.
PAS protests by shunning the new Bersatu-led government, yet Afif trusts PAS-Bersatu bonds endure.
“Both grasp PN’s roots – not just individual parties,” he said.
Mutual Strengths Essential
The ex-PKR man stresses PAS and Bersatu’s interdependence, each with unique edges.
Non-Malays view PAS warily, so in mixed or non-Malay areas, PAS needs PN.
To grab Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor – beyond strongholds – PAS leans on Bersatu.
“We need PAS for northern and east coast wins; PAS needs us for urban gains, especially Selangor as a path to federal power.”
