Two Pas leaders seen as strong contenders for Opposition leader role

SHAH ALAM - Several Pas Members of Parliament (MPs) have emerged as potential candidates to take on the role of Opposition leader, with analysts pointing to their parliamentary experience, debating abilities and influence within the Perikatan Nasional (PN) bloc.

Political analyst from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Mujibu Abd Muis said two names frequently mentioned were Kota Bharu MP Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan and Kubang Kerian MP Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.

He said both leaders possessed extensive experience in government administration as well as parliamentary affairs.

“Takiyuddin previously served as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) and played a role as PN chief whip. He has an advantage in terms of mastery of parliamentary procedures, debating skills and experience in managing the discipline of the opposition bloc.

“Tuan Ibrahim, on the other hand, has a more moderate leadership image and a technocratic approach. His experience as Environment and Water Minister adds value in assessing his ability to lead the opposition bloc in Parliament,” he said.

Mujibu said Takiyuddin was often associated with a more confrontational style in parliamentary debates, while Tuan Ibrahim was seen as adopting a more consensus-driven and moderate approach.

He also named several other Pas MPs who could potentially take up the role, including Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, Khairil Nizam Khirudin and Datuk Dr Nik Muhammad Zawawi Salleh.

These figures, he said, represented a middle generation within the party and have experience in both party leadership and administration.

Another name that could be considered, he said was Arau MP Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, given his extensive political background, including serving as Menteri Besar and a Cabinet minister.

However, Mujibu stressed that the final choice would depend on Pas’ strategic considerations.

“In the context of parliamentary politics, the selection of an Opposition leader usually does not depend solely on factors such as generation or popularity.

“Instead, it is more closely related to experience, the ability to manage the strategy of the opposition bloc and debating skills in the Dewan Rakyat.

“A candidate for Opposition leader must have strength in terms of experience and political courage, but the final decision still depends on the party’s strategic considerations to ensure the cohesion of the opposition bloc,” he added.

Meanwhile, UiTM senior lecturer in political science Dr Ariff Aizuddin Azlan also viewed Tuan Ibrahim as a strong candidate due to his seniority within the party.

“He is also the Opposition leader at the Pahang state level.

“Therefore there is no issue if he is elevated to lead the position at the federal level based on his political experience and knowledge,” he said.