PETALING JAYA: Selangor PAS Youth has expressed its full and open support for the nomination of Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor as the new Perikatan Nasional chairman to replace Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Its chief, Mohamed Sukri Omar, said the support was based on Perikatan’s urgent need for leadership renewal in line with current political realities and the major challenges facing the people and the country.
He said Sanusi was seen as the most suitable choice, citing his leadership and administrative track record in Kedah, which he said has demonstrated his ability to govern effectively.
“He has been bold in defending the rights of the people of the state and has consistently voiced Kedah’s claims, including the issue of raw water royalties, despite facing opposition from various parties, including the Federal Government.
“Perikatan needs a leader who is brave, firm and not merely rhetorical,” he said in a statement on Thursday (Jan 1).
Sukri said that apart from being outspoken, Sanusi also has a distinct personal appeal that enables him to be accepted by various segments of society, including the youth.
“His strong connection with the people and grassroots, particularly young people, adds significant value to Perikatan’s image as it prepares to face future political challenges,” he said.
He added that amid an intense political climate marked by pressure, threats and what he described as selective prosecutions, Sanusi has remained steadfast in defending principles and truth despite facing various political attacks and perceptions.
“Perikatan yearns for a firm, courageous and consistent opposition spokesperson who is unafraid to highlight the shortcomings of the government in the interest of the people,” he said.
Sukri also stressed that the support for Sanusi does not mean Selangor PAS Youth is denying Muhyiddin’s contributions during his tenure as the coalition's chairman.
“However, Perikatan cannot continue to be lulled by nostalgia. The coalition needs a fresher continuity of leadership for the sake of the people and the nation,” he said.
Earlier on Thursday (Jan 1), Kedah PAS commissioner Datuk Ahmad Yahaya has also expressed support for Sanusi’s nomination.
"I see that some parties are proposing that YAB Sanusi be the new Perikatan chairman. It is an interesting proposal, which I agree with," he wrote in a Facebook post.
Muhyiddin, the Bersatu President, resigned as Perikatan chairman earlier this week, along with Datuk Seri Azmin Ali (Perikatan secretary-general and Selangor chairman), Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu (Perak), Mohamad Hanifah Abu Baker (Negri Sembilan), Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal (Johor) and Jaziri Alkaf Abdillah Suffian (Sarawak).
