Takiyuddin seen as front-runner for PN chairmanship - Analysts

SHAH ALAM - Pas secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan is topping the list of potential candidates to lead Perikatan Nasional (PN) following Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s resignation as coalition chairman.

Analysts said this pointed to a possible shift in how the opposition bloc views leadership at the top.

O2 Research Malaysia chief researcher Anis Anwar Suhaimi said the key issue for PN was not so much who replaces Muhyiddin, but how the role of chairman was redefined and communicated across the coalition.

“What matters most for PN in replacing Muhyiddin is not the personality of the successor, but the expectations attached to that role and how those expectations are communicated to each component party’s leadership and grassroots,” he told Sinar Daily.

Anis noted that traditionally, the coalition chairman is often seen as the prime minister candidate, as the position is associated with leading the bloc and commanding a parliamentary majority in the event of an electoral win.

However, he said this usually applies when the chairman is also the president of the coalition’s dominant party.

“In PN’s current situation, the more important shift is from personality-driven leadership to a more collective leadership model.

“Whoever becomes chairman, the priority will be continuity and consistency of PN’s overall agenda, because that is what gives the coalition stability and discipline,” he said.

He added that once this reality is accepted, the chairman’s post does not necessarily need to be held by a party president, nor should it automatically be framed as the prime minister candidate role.

“The position can be treated more as a trust to coordinate and consolidate the coalition, rather than being tied to old conventions,” he said.

From this perspective, he said a technocratic coordinator-style figure would be a plausible choice, naming Takiyuddin as someone who fits that role.

“One name that fits this function is Takiyuddin. He could help streamline coalition machinery and coordination across parties and he carries a more professional and relatively inclusive public image, which PN may find useful at this stage,” he said.

Meanwhile, political analyst Dr Syaza Shukri said several names can be seen to lead the party, including Takiyuddin and Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.

“Another possible name is Takiyuddin. Based on comments by the ketua ulama, I would not be surprised if it is Sanusi, as he is seen as a middle-ground choice — conservative, but practical,” she said.

Syaza said Sanusi’s mass appeal and existing standing among Pas leaders made him a natural contender, although his blunt style could be a concern for PN partners, particularly Bersatu.

She added that although Pas deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man is senior, he does not have a strong appeal beyond the party.

Meanwhile, Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar is seen as a technocrat but is facing internal challenges from the party’s ulama faction, she added.

On Dec 30, Muhyiddin announced he would step down as PN chairman effective Jan 1.

The announcement triggered a series of state-level resignations.

Former Johor menteri besar Dr Sahruddin Jamal, former Perak menteri besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu and Negeri Sembilan PN chairman Mohamad Hanifah Abu Baker all confirmed they would step down in line with Muhyiddin’s departure.

At the central level, Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali will also relinquish his role as PN secretary-general, signalling a wider leadership reshuffle.