Presidential council proposal a check on Muhyiddin's power, say analysts

Free Malaysia Today

a day ago

PAS said yesterday that it had proposed the formation of a PN presidential council comprising the heads of the opposition pact's four components.
PETALING JAYA : PAS's proposal for a Perikatan Nasional (PN) presidential council is likely a calculated move to dilute the influence of coalition chairman Muhyiddin Yassin, say analysts.
Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said the proposal could have stemmed from PAS's dissatisfaction with the current power structure in PN, especially as the party holds the most parliamentary seats – 43 – in the coalition, surpassing Bersatu's 25.
Azmi Hassan.
'Presently, PAS has limited say because both the chairman and secretary-general positions are held by Bersatu. One strategy to reduce or 'water down' Bersatu's dominance is through the formation of a presidential council,' he told FMT.
'In such a council, all party leaders typically have an equal say, regardless of which party they represent.
'The formation of this council isn't about strengthening PN – it won't change much structurally – but it would give PAS the voice it deserves within the coalition,' Azmi added.
PAS said yesterday that it had proposed the formation of a PN presidential council comprising the heads of the opposition pact's four components.
PAS central committee member Khairil Nizam Khirudin said the council would oversee PN while an executive committee would take on the task of 'championing issues'.
He said the proposal was aimed at improving and bolstering PN's administrative structure, and that the Bersatu leadership was aware of the matter.
Besides PAS and Bersatu, PN also includes Gerakan and the Malaysian Indian People's Party.
Azmi said Muhyiddin was now facing pressure not only from within Bersatu but also from external quarters calling for his resignation as party president.
On Sunday, the Port Dickson Bersatu division unanimously approved a motion calling for a leadership change that would see Hamzah Zainudin take over from Muhyiddin in helming the party.
The motion, which did not explicitly suggest that Hamzah take over the party presidency, proposed that Muhyiddin be made an adviser and mentor.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah analyst Syahruddin Awang Ahmad said PAS's proposal was a strategic move that could shift PN's leadership dynamics.
Syahruddin Awang Ahmad.
He said the mission of the Islamic party was to ensure that decisions are made collectively and fairly, in line with the vision of inclusive and stable governance.
'If the presidential council is formed, it will certainly affect Muhyiddin's position,' Syahruddin said.
He said a key effect would be a limit of Muhyiddin's decision-making power, shifting the coalition towards a more balanced power-sharing model. As PN chairman, Muhyiddin currently wields significant authority over the coalition's direction and decisions.
'It would transform the role of chairman from a sole leader to more of a facilitator or chief coordinator.
'While Muhyiddin and Bersatu aim to maintain their dominance and return to government, PAS's proposal may force them to recalibrate that vision in light of a more genuine power-sharing arrangement,' he said.