Muhyiddin our 'poster boy', Gerakan stands firm after PAS flexes

Gerakan president Dominic Lau has made it clear that Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin is the coalition’s candidate for the prime minister post.

He pointed out that the former premier has the experience, leadership qualities, and the coalition’s support.

“He also prioritises a mutual approach and moderation, and is the most suitable person to be PN’s poster boy,” he added in a statement.

Lau (above) was responding to PAS flexing its muscles through its spiritual leader Hashim Jasin, who said that the Islamist party is more qualified to spearhead the coalition.

PAS has the most parliamentary seats in PN, with Bersatu coming in at a distant second and Gerakan with nothing under its belt.

Lau said all quarters within PN are free to provide their opinions and views, but the final decision is with the supreme council.

“I do not agree with the PAS spiritual leader who says that the qualification to be PM hinges on the number of seats in the Dewan Rakyat and the strength of the machinery at the grassroots level.

“The fact is we need 112 seats to form the federal government, not 43 or 50,” he added.

Numbers game

Lau said if the decision is made based solely on the number of seats, DAP would have nominated a candidate for the prime minister position in the present government.

“However, DAP did not. We need a coalition, an alliance, and cooperation to achieve the 112 number.

“It is better for us to think about how we can best serve the people, devise strategies to oppose our political foes, and move forward as a coalition,” he added.

Earlier, Malaysiakini reported the PAS leader denying that the Islamist party named Muhyiddin for the top post if PN wins the next general election.

Hashim was commenting on Bersatu vice-president Ahmad Faizal Azumu claiming that Muhyiddin, who is the president of Bersatu, is PN’s sole nominee for prime minister.

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