KUALA LUMPUR – Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has stepped down as chairman of Perikatan Nasional (PN), citing the escalating tensions between PAS and the Perlis Palace as a significant factor behind his decision.
Sources within PN revealed that Muhyiddin's frustration reached a breaking point following PAS’ sustained criticism of the Perlis Palace, according to Suara TV.
In recent days, PAS has levelled various accusations, claiming the Perlis Palace played a role in the ousting of the state’s PAS Chief Minister due to alleged project-related interests. The conflict intensified as several PAS leaders publicly attacked the Perlis Palace and criticised the Perlis Mufti, who defended the Sultan’s role in the state's political crisis.
Such actions were viewed as a breach of political norms and contrary to the principles of constitutional monarchy. The situation worsened when the Perlis Palace endorsed the appointment of Abu Bakar Hamzah, a Kuala Perlis assemblyman from Bersatu, as the new Chief Minister. This appointment, made in accordance with the state's constitution and the Palace’s discretion, was nonetheless perceived by some within PAS as a political manoeuvre by PN or Bersatu.
Muhyiddin, feeling that the ongoing dispute was damaging both PAS and the coalition, is said to have offered his resignation, believing his leadership had failed to manage the crisis and unify the parties within PN. His decision to step down was framed as an act of moral responsibility, signalling that the coalition could no longer adopt a confrontational stance toward the monarchy.
Muhyiddin also called on all PN members to return to constitutional respect and resolve differences through more orderly and respectful means to restore public confidence and stability in the state.
Meanwhile, some members of the Bersatu Supreme Leadership Council expressed concern that PAS’s hardline approach was eroding relations with the monarchy and destabilising the coalition. These Bersatu leaders hoped Muhyiddin would remain in leadership, noting that as the founder of PN, his authority and experience were vital for restoring internal discipline and political stability.
Despite calls for Muhyiddin’s resignation, these leaders argued that such a move could further fragment the coalition and weaken PN’s position in the face of upcoming political challenges.
As of now, the matter remains under discussion at the highest levels of PN, with no official decision on the resignation.
PAS, on the other hand, has described Muhyiddin’s resignation offer as a prudent and timely decision, stating that the coalition requires renewed energy ahead of the 16th General Election (GE16).
In a Facebook post, PAS Information Chief and Pasir Mas MP Fadhli Saari praised Muhyiddin’s leadership transition approach, saying, "Tan Sri Muhyiddin’s decision is wise and timely, especially at a moment when Perikatan Nasional requires fresh momentum and a stronger organisational push towards GE16."
Fadhli expressed confidence that PAS would propose a suitable candidate to take on the role of PN chairman, emphasising that it did not necessarily have to be the party president, as long as the individual could unify and mobilise all the coalition's components effectively.
A restructuring of PN’s organisational framework is anticipated, with a renewed focus on grassroots mobilisation and coordinated political efforts.
“We expect changes within the PN organisation to sharpen its focus on operational and ground-level efforts,” Fadhli added, while also offering congratulations to Muhyiddin for his openness and contributions.
In his resignation statement, Muhyiddin expressed gratitude for the support he had received from PN leaders during his tenure. “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. I wish every success to the entire PN leadership and its component parties.”
Earlier, a Bersatu source disclosed that Muhyiddin had informed the decision via a WhatsApp group of PN MPs, indicating his intention to step down from the coalition’s leadership. An official announcement is expected shortly.
The resignation was also confirmed by Bersatu MP Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, alongside another Bersatu lawmaker, both of whom are members of the WhatsApp group and verified the message to Malaysiakini. - December 30, 2025
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