PAS central leader Datuk Seri Annuar Musa has dismissed suggestions that Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s decision to relinquish the chairmanship of Perikatan Nasional (PN) was triggered by the recent political turmoil in Perlis, describing the move instead as a long-signalled and voluntary transition of leadership.
According to Annuar, he met the Bersatu president in London on December 28, 2025, where the two held an extensive discussion lasting almost three hours on the state of national politics and developments within PN. During the meeting, Annuar said Muhyiddin consistently conveyed his readiness to step aside if PAS wished to assume leadership of the coalition.
Annuar indicated that Muhyiddin had even suggested the transition could take effect from January 1, 2026, reinforcing the view that the resignation was neither sudden nor linked to the Perlis episode. From Annuar’s perspective, narratives tying the decision to the Perlis crisis were inaccurate, as Muhyiddin had on multiple occasions expressed willingness to hand over the chairmanship as part of a broader leadership evolution within PN.
He characterised Muhyiddin’s decision as a statesmanlike gesture, arguing that voluntarily making way for new leadership reflected political maturity rather than retreat under pressure. Annuar also clarified that the meeting in London was held in his personal capacity and not as an official PAS engagement, although he had informed several party leaders in advance.
Muhyiddin, who has led PN since its formation in 2020, formally announced on December 29, 2025 that he would step down as chairman effective January 1, 2026. His announcement came against the backdrop of heightened tensions within the opposition coalition, particularly following events in Perlis that reshaped the state’s political leadership.
The Perlis crisis culminated in Bersatu taking over the menteri besar position from PAS after a breakdown of support for PAS leader Mohd Shukri Ramli. Five state assemblymen withdrew their backing, triggering accusations from PAS that Bersatu had failed to act decisively against those involved. PAS subsequently terminated the memberships of three of its own assemblymen who retracted support for Shukri, with their seats declared vacant by the state assembly speaker.
Bersatu assemblyman Abu Bakar Hamzah was later appointed as the new menteri besar, while PAS announced it would not participate in the Perlis executive council. The episode exposed deep strains within PN and fuelled speculation over leadership accountability at the federal coalition level.
Despite these developments, Annuar maintained that Muhyiddin’s resignation should be viewed independently of the Perlis dispute. He expressed appreciation for Muhyiddin’s role in steering PN through its formative years and cautioned that the incoming chairman would face the difficult task of resolving numerous internal challenges. With leadership change imminent, Annuar observed that PN’s most demanding test may still lie ahead.
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