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THE appointment of Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar as chairman of Perikatan Nasional (PN) has elicited cautious assessments from political analysts.
They say the move may strengthen confidence among segments of Malay voters but is unlikely to significantly expand the coalition’s broader electoral appeal.
Dr Azmi Hassan of Academy Nusantara described the leadership change as unlikely to provide a substantial boost to PN ahead of the next general election.
“If the question is whether this strengthens PN, the short answer is no,” Azmi told The Vibes.
He argued that Samsuri’s track record as Menteri Besar of Terengganu has yet to demonstrate achievements that would translate into stronger national momentum for the coalition.
Compared with states governed by Pakatan Harapan or Barisan Nasional, he noted, Terengganu’s performance does not stand out in ways that would significantly elevate PN’s standing.
Azmi further highlighted the continued influence of PAS’s religious leadership within PN.
He said the party’s ulama leadership structure remains highly influential, reinforcing public perceptions that PAS maintains firm control over the coalition.
“The status quo remains. The ulama faction could deter moderate Malays as well as non-Malay voters, thereby limiting PN’s cross-ethnic reach,” he explained.
On Monday, Samsuri was named the new chairman of Perikatan Nasional (PN) following the coalition's extraordinary Supreme Council meeting.
Samsuri was proposed by PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang to fill the position left vacant since Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin stepped down on January 1.
The move to appoint Dr Samsuri is seen as a new chapter in PN's direction, following a series of internal tensions involving PAS and Bersatu since the leadership crisis in Perlis, which became a major turning point in the coalition's dynamics.
Meanwhile, political scientist Prof. James Chin offered a complementary perspective, suggesting that Samsuri’s elevation may be a strategic move to address scepticism among certain segments of the Malay electorate.
Chin noted that a portion of Malay voters remain cautious of PAS’s longstanding image as a party dominated by religious clerics.
By appointing Samsuri, who is widely regarded as possessing technocratic and administrative credentials, PAS may be attempting to signal a broader governance capability.
“The appointment sends a message that PAS is not solely defined by religious leadership, but also by technocratic competence,” Chin said, adding that this could help reassure moderate and urban Malay voters.
However, he cautioned that the same recalibration is unlikely to resonate with non-Malay communities.
With the diminished influence of Bersatu within PN, PAS’ dominance has become more pronounced — a development that could reshape political alignments.
“While PAS may succeed in projecting a more moderate image among Malays, it will not necessarily alleviate concerns among non-Malays who perceive PAS as the central power within PN,” Chin said.
Taken together, the analysts suggest that Samsuri’s appointment may consolidate PN’s Malay base but does little to alter entrenched perceptions about PAS’ dominance within the coalition. – February 25, 2026
