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PAS spiritual leader Datuk Hashim Jasin has urged an immediate resolution to the internal leadership imPASse within Perikatan Nasional, warning that prolonged disagreements could compel the party to contest the upcoming 16th General Election alone.
"Rather than engaging in prolonged disputes, it is better to move solo. After the GE16 results are out, we should negotiate with any party to form a government only then," Hashim told Utusan Malaysia, highlighting the party’s ability to achieve stronger results independently, particularly in the four states currently under its governance.
Hashim’s remarks follow reports that the PN chairmanship could be abolished as part of a broader restructuring plan reportedly agreed upon during a meeting on January 16 between Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and PAS leaders.
According to a letter from Muhyiddin to PN component party heads, the restructuring would see Bersatu assume leadership of the PN Presidential Council, while PAS would head the executive arm responsible for administrative matters.
However, PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man denied any discussions on abolishing the chairmanship, reflecting ongoing friction within the coalition.
The disagreement led to the cancellation of the PN Supreme Council meeting scheduled for yesterday, with component party chiefs instead convening at Muhyiddin’s residence.
Hashim previously proposed Tuan Ibrahim as the most suitable PAS candidate to lead PN, though he also acknowledged the qualifications of other party figures such as Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar.
He emphasised that Tuan Ibrahim fulfilled the four Islamic criteria for leadership: fear of Allah, adherence to syariah, preparation for the hereafter, and contentment with one’s provisions.
Expressing hope for an amicable resolution, Hashim said, "I cannot comment further on this PN issue and hope it can be settled quickly without allowing the appointment of the chairman to drag on."
His comments underscore the urgency for clarity within the coalition as Malaysia approaches GE16, signalling potential realignments in the nation’s political landscape. - January 30, 2026