Parti Islam Se-Malaysia has confirmed that its president, Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, will not be put forward as a candidate for the position of chairman of Perikatan Nasional, putting an end to speculation surrounding his possible nomination.
The clarification was made by PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hasan during a media briefing in Kuala Lumpur on January 26, 2026, following internal discussions at the party’s highest leadership level. He explained that PAS would still propose a candidate for the post but stressed that the name submitted would not be that of Abdul Hadi.
Takiyuddin said the party’s position was the result of collective agreement and reflected a broader view of leadership within the opposition coalition. He added that the chairmanship of Perikatan Nasional was not automatically tied to the presidency of any component party, noting that the role could be held by an individual who does not lead one of the coalition’s main parties.
He further pointed to the coalition’s constitution, which provides flexibility in appointing its top leadership. Under the rules, the PN chairman is elected by members of the Supreme Council and remains in the position for as long as the council considers appropriate. According to Takiyuddin, there is no provision requiring the chairman to be chosen from among the presidents of member parties, allowing PN to prioritise suitability and consensus over formal party hierarchy.
The announcement comes as Perikatan Nasional moves to fill the leadership vacuum left by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who stepped down as chairman of the coalition on December 30, 2025. Muhyiddin, who is also the president of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, had held the post since PN’s formation and played a central role in shaping its direction as a major opposition bloc.
With his resignation, attention has turned to the process of selecting a new chairman capable of steering the coalition through a critical period, particularly as preparations begin for the 16th general election. PAS’s decision to exclude Abdul Hadi from consideration signals an intention to broaden the pool of potential candidates and avoid concentrating leadership roles within a single party.
Political observers see the clarification as an effort to project unity and institutional maturity within PN, while also managing internal expectations among its component parties. By emphasising constitutional provisions and collective decision-making, PAS appears keen to frame the leadership transition as orderly and rules-based rather than driven by personality or speculation.
The coalition is expected to continue consultations among its Supreme Council members in the coming weeks before a final decision on the new chairman is reached, a choice that will shape PN’s strategy and messaging heading into the next electoral cycle.
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