Pas already has candidate for PN chairman, says Takiyuddin

KOTA BHARU - Pas secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan has confirmed that the party has identified a candidate to be appointed as Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman.

He said the final decision would be made through a PN Supreme Council meeting, in accordance with the coalition’s constitution.

“The candidate is a senior Pas leader and a Member of Parliament. When Pas leads, we will put forward our own,” he told reporters after delivering a closed-door address to leaders of the Bunut Payong state constituency here last night.

However, Takiyuddin said the candidate’s identity could not be disclosed at this stage, as the appointment remains subject to the Supreme Council’s approval.

He said  that the Supreme Council is the coalition’s highest decision-making body and all major decisions, including the appointment of the Chairman must be decided through the council.

Takiyuddin also expressed confidence that the issue surrounding the PN chairmanship would be resolved smoothly.

He added that efforts to convene a Supreme Council meeting have been delayed due to scheduling constraints involving the presidents of component parties, with one only available after Feb 19.

“That date falls during the month of Ramadan and it is likely the meeting will be held during the fasting month,” he said.

Meanwhile, Takiyuddin stressed that the delay in appointing a PN chairman is not a major issue.

“According to the original schedule, the Supreme Council meeting was supposed to be held on Jan 29, but it had to be cancelled due to a clash with another meeting.

“If Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin were still PN chairman, he would have been the one to call the meeting. However, several delays occurred and I had to take on the role of PN deputy secretary-general to manage the matter,” he said.