Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has ruled himself out of contention for the Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairmanship, instead putting forward Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar as what he described as a stronger and more suitable candidate to lead the opposition coalition.
Sanusi’s position emerged following the resignation of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as PN chairman, a decision that took effect after political tensions escalated in Perlis. Muhyiddin, who also serves as president of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), stepped down amid growing strains within the coalition, prompting renewed debate over PN’s future leadership structure.
With Muhyiddin’s exit, several names were floated to fill the vacancy, including Sanusi himself, who has become one of PAS’s most prominent figures in recent years. However, speaking on January 2, 2026, Sanusi made it clear that he was not interested in assuming the coalition’s top post. Instead, he argued that Ahmad Samsuri possessed the qualities needed to steer PN through a complex political landscape ahead of the 16th general election.
Sanusi pointed to Ahmad Samsuri’s track record in governance and strategic planning, portraying the Terengganu leader as someone better suited to manage high-level coordination and long-term direction for the coalition. He framed his own role differently, describing himself as more effective at grassroots mobilisation and on-the-ground political work rather than overseeing national strategy.
The proposal added another layer to ongoing discussions within PAS and PN about leadership realignment. In recent days, there have been increasing calls from within PAS for the chairmanship to be handed to the party, reflecting its growing influence within the coalition. The head of the Central PAS Ulema Council, Datuk Ahmad Yahaya, was among those who publicly supported Sanusi’s earlier nomination, highlighting internal momentum for a PAS-led transition.
Despite that backing, Sanusi reiterated that leadership selection should prioritise capability and strategic clarity rather than popularity or internal lobbying. By singling out Ahmad Samsuri, he signalled a preference for a leader perceived as methodical and policy-oriented, particularly at a time when PN faces questions about cohesion and direction.
Ahmad Samsuri, who has largely maintained a lower national profile compared to some of his peers, is often viewed as a technocratic administrator with experience in defence-related policy and state governance. Supporters believe these qualities could help stabilise PN and reposition it more effectively against the ruling unity government.
As PN prepares for further internal deliberations, Sanusi’s decision to step aside underscores the delicate balancing act within the coalition. With leadership changes unfolding against the backdrop of shifting alliances and electoral calculations, the choice of chairman is expected to shape PN’s trajectory in the months leading up to GE16.
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