PAS’s choice to forgo contests for its top five leadership positions may project an image of internal stability, but analysts caution that it conceals underlying vulnerabilities, particularly the Islamic party’s apparent inability to field a credible candidate for prime minister.
Political analyst Azmi Hassan noted that Bersatu, despite reports of internal discord, boasts more viable options for the nation’s highest executive role.
“No matter what the heat is like in Bersatu, it still has more prime ministerial candidates compared to PAS. That is the reason PAS did not officially put out their candidate—because they do not have anyone suitable,” he told FMT.
Bersatu, in contrast, has two prominent figures: party president Muhyiddin Yassin and his deputy, Hamzah Zainudin.
Azmi pointed out that potential contenders from PAS carry significant drawbacks.
“Nominating PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang would put off a lot of supporters,” he said.
He added that the PAS leadership is unlikely to nominate Terengganu menteri besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, as he lacks roots in the party’s ulama faction.
“(PAS supporters) would be unhappy with that sort of nomination,” he explained.
Azmi also rejected Kedah menteri besar Sanusi Nor as a viable option, describing him as “too rhetorical” and “not PM material.”
The core issue, Azmi argued, is structural.
“Despite what is happening in Bersatu and no matter how stable PAS is right now, the issue is that PAS does not have the right candidate. Bersatu has known this all along.”
On September 7, during its annual general assembly, Bersatu declared Muhyiddin as its prime ministerial candidate.
In response, PAS election director Sanusi Nor promptly cautioned its coalition partner against “hasty” nominations.
Deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man told FMT there was no urgency for Perikatan Nasional to name a candidate, emphasizing that the opposition coalition should prioritize bolstering its election machinery and addressing public concerns.
PAS’s Stability Contrasts with Bersatu’s Turmoil
While PAS portrays stability at its leadership core, Muhyiddin’s hold on Bersatu seems to be weakening, amid public demands for his resignation and a petition drive calling for a leadership change.
Political analyst Awang Azman Pawi from Universiti Malaya observed that this disparity enables PAS to assert moral superiority within Perikatan Nasional.
“PAS can argue that Muhyiddin represents a transitional figure who is losing control of Bersatu, while PAS has a disciplined machinery, strong grassroots, and a clearer ideological unity,” he told FMT.
If Muhyiddin is seen as past his prime, PAS could capitalize on the opportunity, Awang Azman suggested.
“A leader from PAS, whether Hadi symbolically, or a younger figure such as Tuan Ibrahim or Samsuri, could be PN’s new face heading into the 16th general election.”
Upper Hand for PAS, Yet Options Remain Limited
Political scientist Syaza Shukri from International Islamic University Malaysia argued that Bersatu’s emerging fractures will grant PAS greater leverage in coalition negotiations.
“While Bersatu appears divided, PAS holds steady and stable.
“PAS already has more parliamentary seats. This further entrenches PAS as the bigger and better party within PN despite Muhyiddin still being the coalition’s chairman,” she told FMT.
Bersatu holds 25 parliamentary seats, compared to PAS’s 43.
Nevertheless, Syaza warned that PAS might ultimately aim for the prime minister’s position.
“I don’t think PAS seriously wants to put up its own leader as PM candidate, but they have to portray strength and not seem like a junior component.
“If they do, my suspicion is they would go with someone more palatable like Samsuri, even though he faces challenges.”
She noted, however, that the party’s no-contest policy for top posts has dual implications.
“It’s good for continuity and stability, in contrast to Bersatu, but limits new leadership and new ideas.
“PAS Youth chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari may have a good chance in the future, but as of now it’s really the same faces in leadership for so long,” she said.
