KUALA LUMPUR: Perikatan Nasional's appointment of Terengganu Mentri Besar and PAS vice president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar is a sign that PAS is accepted by all, says Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan.
The PAS secretary-general said the Perikatan extraordinary supreme council meeting on Sunday (Feb 22) also decided that Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin will now be its deputy chairman and activate a presidential council.
He added, however, that Ahmad Samsuri was not in the meeting chaired by Muhyiddin today, having resigned as treasurer in 2024.
"The half-hour meeting was conducted in full harmony and attended by all members of the Perikatan supreme council, including the four presidents of the component parties," Takiyuddin told the media after the meeting, held at PAS headquarters on Jalan Raja Laut here.
The party presidents were Muhyiddin (Bersatu), Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang (PAS), Dominic Lau (Gerakan) and P. Punithan (MIPP).
"The main agenda of the meeting was to approve Muhyiddin's resignation as Perikatan effective Jan 1 and to appoint a new chairman.
"The meeting approved his resignation and unanimously appointed Ahmad Samsuri as the new chairman with immediate effect.
"Other matters will be brought forward for discussion and decision at the next supreme council meeting, which will be held soon," added Takiyuddin, who is Perikatan acting secretary-general.
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He said Ahmad Samsuri was the sole nominee.
"Under the Perikatan constitution, it is not stated who can be appointed as chairman.
"This means the supreme council can choose anyone... (the candidate) does not necessarily have to be a party president or deputy president.
"Based on that, PAS is of the view that Ahmad Samsuri is suitable thanks to his strengths and advantages.
"He has served as Terengganu Mentri Besar for two terms.
"He has also shown very good performance in GE15 as well as in the 2023 state election, (with Perikatan) winning all the parliamentary and state seats in Terengganu.
"This is why PAS chose Ahmad Samsuri to lead the Perikatan supreme council," he added.
Takiyuddin pointed out that the provision for a presidential council already exists under Clause 7(a) of the Perikatan constitution, including its functions and obligations.
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However, he noted, there is a view that the coalition's constitution should be reviewed, and this would be discussed in an upcoming meeting.
"There are several (matters) involving both the presidential council and the supreme council. This is to strengthen Perikatan for future general and state elections," he said.
Takiyuddin also said that current issues within Bersatu should be settled internally.
"It is appropriate for them to handle it. It has nothing to do with us.... We must prepare for the elections and show unity.
"Politics requires patience – sometimes we must respond immediately, and sometimes we must remain calm.
"Today, the mood is very good. The meeting was quick and smooth. Everything has been decided. There is no need to create further issues. Let Perikatan move forward positively," he said.
