ALOR SETAR: Naming Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as Perikatan Nasional's prime minister candidate at the recent Bersatu general assembly was not in line with the coalition's spirit of consensus, says Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan.
The PAS secretary-general said that "as a coalition built on equal partnership, there is no such thing as a 'big brother'.
"We stand as equal partners in the coalition," he told reporters after the conclusion of the 71st PAS Muktamar here on Tuesday (Sept 16).
The Kota Baru MP said such decisions have to go through the Perikatan supreme council, and PAS was not entirely in agreement with unilateral announcements.
He said that based on the coalition’s constitution, the Perikatan chairman is appointed through the supreme council, so it is only proper to discuss such matters at that level.
Takiyuddin also revealed that PAS has been approached by coalition members several times to lead Perikatan.
"Previously, we decided that, given the circumstances at the time, someone like Muhyiddin –being a former prime minister –might have been more suitable.
"Now, we are prepared. If we are called upon, we are ready," he added.
He said several factors indicating that the party is ready to lead include that it governs four states and has the most parliamentary seats.
This strength and capability put PAS in a position to shoulder the responsibility of leading the coalition, he added.
On another matter, he said PAS is considering an offer to hold its 75th anniversary event next year in Penang.
"Penang has offered to become a host. We will consider the offer, which is subject to approval by the PAS central leadership," he said.
PAS was officially established on Nov 24, 1951, in Butterworth, Penang.
It was formed after a group of ulama and activists broke away from Umno's religious bureau, leading to the founding of Persatuan Islam Se-Malaya (Pan-Malayan Islamic Association), which evolved into Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS).
