The departure of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as chairman of Perikatan Nasional (PN) on January 1, 2026 has opened the door to renewed speculation over who will lead the opposition coalition next, with PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang now being mentioned as a potential contender.
Kelantan Bersatu chairman Datuk Kamaruddin Md Noor said the possibility of Abdul Hadi assuming the role could not be ruled out, given the current balance of power within PN. He noted that PAS and Bersatu remain the two dominant parties in the coalition, making PAS a logical source for the next chairman if leadership transitions according to influence and size.
Kamaruddin explained that, under the coalition’s structure, PN’s leadership is closely tied to the heads of its component parties. Should PAS be entrusted with leading the coalition, the chairmanship would naturally fall to its president. He also revealed that Muhyiddin had previously offered the post to Abdul Hadi, an offer that was declined at the time.
His remarks were made in Kota Bharu on January 1, 2026, during an event welcoming visitors at Sultan Ismail Petra Airport in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026. The comments reflect growing momentum within PN to resolve leadership questions swiftly following Muhyiddin’s resignation.
However, PAS has signalled that the chairmanship is not automatically reserved for its president. PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari indicated earlier that the party was open to nominating a leader who could best unify and strengthen cooperation among PN’s component parties. He emphasised that trust, consensus and the ability to consolidate support would be key considerations in selecting the next chairman.
Discussions on the appointment are expected to take place among all PN party leaders, with a decision anticipated once agreement is reached. Bersatu leaders, including those at the state level, have publicly indicated that they would not object to a PAS representative assuming the chairmanship, reflecting an effort to maintain coalition stability.
PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man has also confirmed that the party plans to submit several names for consideration. He said the matter would be formally discussed at an upcoming PN Supreme Council meeting, where the coalition’s direction and leadership structure will be deliberated.
As PN navigates one of its most critical transitions since its formation, the question of whether Abdul Hadi will ultimately take the helm remains unresolved. What is clear, however, is that the coalition is under pressure to settle the leadership issue quickly to project unity and readiness ahead of future state elections and the 16th general election.
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