The Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS) has rejected speculation that it intends to withdraw from the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition or orchestrate the removal of Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, insisting that cooperation within the alliance remains a priority.
PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang clarified in Kuala Lumpur on February 1, 2026, that such matters were never raised during the party’s closed-door meetings, which began on January 30. He said the internal discussions were focused on strengthening PAS’s organisational structure and reinforcing unity among coalition partners rather than debating leadership changes within PN.
According to Hadi, maintaining solidarity within PN continues to be central to PAS’s political strategy. He dismissed claims that the party had discussed leaving the coalition or pressuring Muhyiddin to step aside from his leadership role in Bersatu, describing such assertions as unfounded and inconsistent with the outcomes of recent meetings.
Following the conclusion of a PAS leadership training programme in Bangi, Hadi reiterated that the party remained committed to the coalition framework and hoped PN would stay united despite ongoing internal challenges. He emphasised that PAS viewed stability within the alliance as essential, particularly as the opposition prepares for future electoral contests.
PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan echoed this position, stressing that all four component parties within PN remained part of the coalition. He said PAS had no intention of excluding any partner and that cooperation among Bersatu, PAS, Gerakan and the Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP) would continue as agreed.
Speculation over PAS’s commitment to PN intensified following Muhyiddin’s resignation as PN chairman, which took effect on January 1, 2026. Since then, disagreements over the appointment of a new chairman have prolonged uncertainty within the coalition, fuelling rumours of potential fractures among its member parties.
Further uncertainty arose after PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Hashim Jasin suggested earlier that PAS could consider contesting the 16th General Election independently if the leadership impasse remained unresolved. That remark was interpreted by some observers as a signal of growing frustration within PAS over the stalled decision-making process in PN.
Adding to the speculation was Abdul Hadi’s absence from a PN Supreme Council pre-meeting held at Muhyiddin’s private residence on January 29, 2026. The absence led to renewed talk that PAS was distancing itself from coalition affairs, though party leaders have since rejected that interpretation.
With political tensions continuing to simmer within PN, PAS’s latest assurances appear aimed at signalling stability to its supporters and coalition partners, while buying time for a resolution to the leadership question that has tested the alliance’s cohesion in recent weeks.
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