ALOR SETAR: PAS is confident the Islamist party will eventually produce a Prime Minister of Malaysia, though its immediate focus remains on strengthening its election machinery to topple the current unity coalition government.
PAS ulama chief Datuk Ahmad Yahaya said the position of Prime Minister is ultimately subject to the King’s consent but stressed that political developments and electoral strength would pave the way for PAS to take the country’s top leadership role.
"For now, our focus is simple, to win the elections, ensure our machinery works at its best to bring down the Pakatan-Barisan-DAP government.
"Once that happens, the right person will be determined. And I believe PAS will one day hold the Prime Ministership," he said at Kedah PAS complex while checking the start of the PAS 71st Muktamar.
The Pokok Sena MP likened the process to choosing Mentri Besar, where PAS never pre-determines its candidates but accepts the outcome when the time comes.
Ahmad was commenting on Bersatu wings who have nominated their president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as prime minister if Perikatan wins the general election.
The nominations were made by Hilman Idham, chief of youth wing Armada, and women’s wing Srikandi chief Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin during the concluded party annual general assembly.
The Kedah PAS commissioner said that while individual parties, including Bersatu and Gerakan, have the right to raise motions and put forward their own candidates, decisions within Perikatan must be made by consensus.
“Each party may have its own views – PAS, Bersatu, Gerakan, but when it comes to Perikatan, all must come to the discussion table.
That is where decisions are made collectively,” he said.
He acknowledged that the allocation of seats and the calibre of leaders available will influence future decisions on the premiership.
He said it is not impossible for PAS to lead Perikatan, and to assume the Prime Ministership position in the country.
“What matters now is that we strengthen the party, deliver the best service to the people, and trust that voters will give us the mandate when the time comes,” he said.
