PETALING JAYA: Negri Sembilan Bersatu says it fully supports Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang to be the next Perikatan Nasional chairman.
"Abdul Hadi is the most suitable, credible and strategic figure to be elevated as the new chairman of Perikatan," its chief Mohamad Hanifah Abu Baker said in a statement on Thursday (Jan 1).
He said Perikatan needs a chairman with strong moral authority, extensive political experience and the ability to unite component parties in a disciplined and effective manner.
"The appointment of an individual outside the ranks of party presidents not only risks creating confusion in terms of leadership authority but could also weaken administrative cohesion, complicate coalition coordination and undermine the effectiveness of strategic decision-making," he said.
He stressed the importance of having a chairman who is accepted across ethnic lines and social backgrounds to ensure Perikatan remains an inclusive, stable and trusted national coalition.
Mohamad Hanifah said Abdul Hadi, as a nationally recognised, respected and highly regarded figure, is a key asset to Perikatan's strength and credibility.
On Dec 30, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also Bersatu president, said he would step down as Perikatan chairman effective Jan 1.
Several Bersatu leaders also stepped down from their positions, including Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, who resigned as Perikatan secretary-general and Selangor Perikatan liaison committee chairman.
Others who announced they were stepping down were Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal (Johor Perikatan chairman), Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu (Perak Perikatan chairman) and Mohamad Hanifah (Negri Perikatan chairman).
