PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man has firmly denied Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin’s claim that the two parties had agreed to scrap the Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman’s position.
Denial of restructuring claims
Tuan Ibrahim also rejected Muhyiddin’s assertion that the issue was discussed during a meeting on January 16 involving Muhyiddin and several PAS leaders.
“We only agreed to strengthen the presidential council, while the mechanisms and structure would be examined at a later date,” he told FMT.
Earlier today, Muhyiddin stated that Bersatu and PAS had reached an agreement to abolish the PN chairman’s post as part of the opposition coalition’s restructuring. He said the decision was made at a meeting held at his residence more than a week ago.
Among the PAS leaders present were Tuan Ibrahim, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, and secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan.
Details of Muhyiddin’s account
Muhyiddin explained that under the proposed restructuring, Bersatu would lead the presidential council while PAS would head the executive committee.
He added that the presidential council would serve as the highest decision-making body on PN policies, with the executive committee managing administrative matters.
PN has been without a chairman since Muhyiddin’s resignation took effect on January 1, following the Perlis political crisis.
Muhyiddin further revealed that on January 24, he was informed Takiyuddin had called for an extraordinary Supreme Council meeting to discuss, among other items, the appointment of a new PN chairman.
“This particular agenda is not in line with what was agreed on by Bersatu and PAS leaders on Jan 16. This is why the Jan 29 meeting was cancelled,” he said in a letter dated January 27.
Response from Takiyuddin and meeting update
It was reported yesterday that the Supreme Council meeting scheduled for tomorrow has been cancelled. Instead, the heads of PN’s four component parties are expected to meet at Muhyiddin’s home.
Takiyuddin expressed regret that Muhyiddin’s letter had been widely shared on social media and picked up by the media.
“We are unable to confirm agreement with any of the details contained in the letter, particularly regarding the proposed formation of the PN presidential council and the abolition of the chairman’s position,” he said in a statement.
“Accordingly, we will formally communicate our position on this matter in writing to the presidents of PN member parties,” Takiyuddin added.
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