Former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad says PAS is holding back on naming a prime ministerial candidate because it lacks the numbers to form a government alone.
In an exclusive FMT interview, the veteran leader explained that PAS knows it cannot secure Putrajaya without broadening its appeal beyond the East Coast heartland.
“That’s why PAS avoids picking a candidate,” Mahathir said. “They fear it could limit wider voter support.”
“PAS understands it can’t produce a prime minister solo. It needs backing from across the country.”
“Their seats aren’t sufficient for federal power. They must partner with others.”
“That’s the reason no name has been put forward.”
“They accept multiple candidates and will back whoever fits best.”
“But naming one now risks losing full support.”
PAS holds 43 Dewan Rakyat seats, the most in Parliament—ahead of DAP, PKR, and ally Bersatu.
Perikatan Nasional faces questions over its GE16 prime ministerial pick, due by early 2028.
On 1 October, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan confirmed no nomination yet, with no talks at party or coalition level.
He noted PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang recently stressed focus on winning GE16 first, not naming a leader.
At September’s muktamar, Hadi said PAS has many capable figures but keeps them low-key, seeing the post as a grave duty.
Bersatu, at its own September assembly, declared president Muhyiddin Yassin as its choice.
Yet PN and PAS election director Sanusi Nor later stressed any decision needs full coalition agreement.
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