Muhyiddin Affirms PN's PM Decision Will Be Collective at Supreme Council Meeting

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 27 — In a recent interview with Malaysiakini, former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin confirmed that the decision on who will represent Perikatan Nasional (PN) as the prime minister candidate will be determined collectively during an upcoming supreme council meeting, rather than by any single leader within the coalition.

This clarification comes amid discussions surrounding the leadership dynamics within PN, particularly following comments by PAS spiritual adviser Hashim Jasin. Hashim suggested that PAS, boasting 41 Members of Parliament, should lead the coalition, highlighting its robust grassroots network.

Muhyiddin firmly stated that discussions regarding the prime ministerial candidacy should not be influenced by public rhetoric or personal opinions. Instead, he underscored the importance of deliberations within the PN supreme council, which comprises party presidents, deputy presidents, vice-presidents, and secretaries-general. “We don’t want to debate here. It is only fair that the PN supreme council have their discussions,” Muhyiddin was quoted as saying.

When questioned about the prospect of stepping aside if a candidate from PAS were nominated, Muhyiddin reiterated that such decisions are not solely his to make. He indicated that should the supreme council choose a PAS leader, he would accept that outcome, provided it reflects the consensus of the coalition. “I have no problem,” he asserted, emphasizing that leadership should be a collective decision.

The debate over the prime ministerial candidate has intensified, especially following a series of exchanges among leaders from Bersatu, PAS, and Gerakan. Bersatu vice-president Ahmad Faizal Azumu recently reaffirmed Muhyiddin’s status as the “poster boy” for PN, suggesting that the focus should remain on unity rather than individual ambitions.

In a counter to Hashim’s comments, Gerakan president Dominic Lau signaled his intention to voice his concerns at the forthcoming supreme council meeting, highlighting the necessity for collaborative coalitions in today’s political climate.

Muhyiddin stressed that there is no ongoing conflict within the coalition but insisted that discussions on such matters require a careful and controlled approach. He further indicated that any candidate selected would consider essential factors like voter acceptance and prior leadership experience, ensuring that the decision aligns with the collective interests of PN’s partner parties.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, all eyes will be on the upcoming PN supreme council meeting to see who will emerge as the coalition's prime minister candidate, a decision that could significantly shape Malaysia’s future governance.