Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar may currently hold the chairmanship of Perikatan Nasional, but analysts suggest he still lacks the comprehensive backing required from PAS to be officially named as its candidate for prime minister.
Syaza Shukri of International Islamic University Malaysia described the current stance of PAS as puzzling. She noted that while the party has positioned Samsuri as a potential successor to lead the opposition in Parliament, it has pointedly stopped short of endorsing him as its definitive choice for the premiership.
The academic argued that whoever is selected to succeed Hamzah Zainudin as the opposition leader in the Dewan Rakyat should naturally be regarded as the coalition’s candidate for the top office. She observed that if PAS cannot reach an internal agreement on its preferred leader, nominating Samsuri will remain a significant challenge.
Internal confusion and factional preferences
According to Syaza, Samsuri was originally chosen as the coalition chairman because he was perceived as a figure acceptable to all component parties due to his image as a moderate and a technocrat. However, the situation remains confusing as other names continue to be floated for the prime minister’s post.
This internal friction was highlighted by Zaharudin Muhammad, the son-in-law of PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang. The Sungai Buloh PAS chief stated that while Samsuri is suitable to serve as the opposition leader, he is not the party’s ideal candidate for prime minister.
Zaharudin indicated that PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man and vice-president Idris Ahmad are seen as more qualified for the role. Both leaders hail from the party’s influential ulama faction, a preference reportedly shared by PAS spiritual leader Hashim Jasin.
Strategic delays and leadership comparisons
In contrast to the ambiguity within PAS, Bersatu has already established its position by nominating its president, Muhyiddin Yassin, as its choice for the premiership. PAS has justified its hesitation by claiming it does not wish to reveal its candidate too early to avoid exposure to political attacks from rivals.
Syaza suggested that the unease regarding Samsuri stems from his background as a non-member of the ulama faction. There are concerns within certain party circles that choosing a leader outside this group might be perceived as straying from the party’s core religious ideals.
Seeking a definitive coalition stand
Despite these internal hurdles, Syaza noted that Samsuri could still secure the full backing of his party if all component members within Perikatan Nasional collectively support his nomination.
Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara emphasized the necessity for PAS to make a definitive and firm choice regarding its prime ministerial candidate. He stressed that only a clear and unified decision will resolve the ongoing speculation and put the matter to rest.
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