Syahir: PN 'reality star search' trumps Amanah dancing cabaret for DAP

A PAS leader has hit back at Amanah for comparing the party's search for a candidate to lead Perikatan Nasional to the reality TV show Akademi Fantasia.

Bachok MP Syahir Sulaiman said that there is nothing wrong with incorporating elements from the talent-search reality show, which involves coaches who train participants, judges who assess them, and supporters who cast their votes.

“Democracy? Yes. The difference with PAS is that we have syura (deliberation) and musyawarah (consensus decision-making).

“(In selecting) the candidate for prime minister or the PN chair, PAS will discuss, PAS will deliberate, and PAS will negotiate. There is order, and there is a method.

“The difference with PAS is that no one can dictate our position. We decide for ourselves whom to befriend and whom to oppose; we are principled, dignified, and have self-respect.

“Unlike Amanah, where all decisions are determined by DAP, and they are at their beck and call. No more than being DAP’s ‘yes-men’, no different from ‘cabaret dancers’ - stripped of principles, their dignity sold off, and no self-respect,” he said in a statement today.

Syahir (above, right) was responding to Amanah secretary-general Faiz Fadzil, who claimed PN was deteriorating as PAS had yet to name a candidate for the coalition’s chairpersonship.

Faiz, who is the son of the former PAS president Fadzil Noor, had also taken a swipe at the party for what he described as a continued guessing game over PN’s leadership, likening the situation to Akademi Fantasia.

‘Fresh considerations’

Syahir stressed that the practice of “syura” and “musyawarah” did not begin with PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, but was established by prior PAS leaders, including Faiz’s own father.

He said it was up to Faiz whether he chose not to continue the legacy, but PAS would remain committed to the tradition set by its predecessors.

On the question of the prime ministerial candidate and the PN chairperson, Syahir said PAS had made fresh considerations, taking into account various qaul (opinions) and views, which were weighed and prioritised.

“Insya-Allah, PAS will negotiate, finalise, and announce (our decision), in accordance with proper order and procedure.

“There is no need to spotlight who the individual is, and we do not require the endorsement of DAP or Amanah. The people are now keeping an eye on PAS’s credibility and assessing PAS’ competence to produce a prime minister.

“Finally, we are taught to be patient, not hasty, and reckless. We are confident that the future of PAS, and the future of Islam, is becoming brighter. As for the future of Amanah? Please ask DAP,” he added.

PAS is poised to take over the PN leadership after Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin resigned as coalition chief.

Among the front-runners for the post are PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man and Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar.

READ MORE: PAS poised to take PN helm - but who will lead the coalition?

COMMENT | Political recalibration: Looking back at 2025 Part 1

A look back at recent times Umno, PAS, Bersatu 'betrayed' Malay allies

PN and MN: Can PAS have its cake and eat it too?

'Don't fear being the opposition' - Akmal urges Umno to leave govt

Bersatu leader calls for constitutional order, unity in PN leadership selection

Hadi: PAS ready to take over PN, leader to be discussed soon