KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali has stepped down as Secretary-General of Perikatan Nasional (PN), following the resignation of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as the coalition’s chairman.
Azmin's departure comes after Muhyiddin's decision to relinquish his leadership role, which stemmed from escalating tensions between PAS and the Perlis Palace.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Azmin explained that his appointment to the position was made under the authority of PN chairman, Tan Sri Muhyiddin, and, as such, he was resigning from both his role as secretary-general and his position as Chairman of the Selangor PN Liaison Body.
His resignation will take effect from January 1, 2026.
Azmin expressed his gratitude for the cooperation of all involved, adding, "I also take the stance of resigning as Chairman of the Perikatan Nasional Selangor Liaison Body, effective on the same date. The cooperation of all parties is greatly appreciated, and I thank you all."
Meanwhile, PAS has expressed its readiness to lead PN, with Secretary-General Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan stating that the coalition needs renewed strength and unity as it prepares for the upcoming state elections and the 16th General Election (GE16).
In a statement, Takiyuddin reaffirmed PAS's commitment to the rule of law, democratic principles, and the constitutional monarchy, adding, "PAS hereby offers its willingness to lead Perikatan Nasional, to strengthen, organise and prepare for the state elections and the 16th General Election."
PAS also clarified its position regarding the government of Perlis, affirming its commitment to continuing its involvement in the state government in line with the mandate received during the 15th General Election, though it will not participate in the new state executive council (EXCO) to be formed by the new Menteri Besar.
In light of these developments, Takiyuddin urged all parties to reflect on recent events and work together to rebuild public trust in the coalition. "We must take all steps to further strengthen the people’s trust in Perikatan," he said.
The rift within PN reached a tipping point after Tan Sri Muhyiddin resigned, citing mounting tensions between PAS and the Perlis Palace, particularly over the palace’s role in the removal of the state’s PAS Chief Minister.
The dispute deepened following PAS’s criticism of the palace, including attacks on the Perlis Mufti, who had defended the Sultan’s involvement in the political crisis. This was seen as a breach of political norms by many within the coalition, especially as the Perlis Palace had endorsed the appointment of Abu Bakar Hamzah, a Bersatu assemblyman, as the new Chief Minister.
Muhyiddin, recognising that the crisis had caused damage to both PAS and the coalition, chose to step down, viewing it as a moral responsibility to halt the confrontational stance towards the monarchy. He called on all PN members to return to respecting the Constitution and resolve differences through more respectful means.
PAS, in contrast, regarded Muhyiddin’s resignation offer as a sensible and necessary step, with Fadhli Saari, PAS Information Chief, praising the decision as "wise and timely" to give PN the momentum it needs for GE16. He emphasised that PAS would propose a candidate who could unify and mobilise the coalition, with the party’s presidency not necessarily being a requirement for the role.
As the party seeks to restructure and refocus its efforts at the grassroots level, changes to the organisational framework of PN are expected in the coming weeks. PAS remains committed to restoring the coalition’s political discipline and operational efficiency.
Muhyiddin, for his part, expressed appreciation for the support he received from PN leaders, stating, “I would like to express my gratitude to all PN leaders who have given me their full support during my leadership of PN since its formation five years ago."
The resignation was confirmed through a message on a PN MPs' WhatsApp group and is expected to be officially announced shortly. - December 30, 2025
The post Azmin resigns as PN sec-gen after Muhyiddin’s departure appeared first on Scoop.