Despite a recent meeting between PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and his Bersatu counterpart Muhyiddin Yassin, attempts to improve relations between the two leaders appear unsuccessful. A source familiar with the matter emphasized that there is still unresolved tension between them.

The meeting, which took place on Valentine's Day, was described as merely a façade by an insider. The underlying issue between the leaders remains unaddressed, according to the source.

PAS, Bersatu, and Gerakan form the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, and the meeting was followed by a coalition gathering the next day. Muhyiddin serves as the chairman of the opposition coalition, with Hadi as his deputy.

Relations soured when Muhyiddin reversed his decision not to defend his position in the upcoming party polls, leading to discord between the leaders. This decision disrupted PAS's plan to endorse its vice-president Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar as the PN candidate for the prime ministerial post in the next general election.

The source claimed that Muhyiddin's change of stance was seen as an attempt to retain the PN chairmanship and return as prime minister. Notably, the two leaders have not shared the stage since the PAS muktamar in October, and Hadi has been absent from PN leadership meetings for an extended period.

However, despite the lukewarm relationship between Hadi and Muhyiddin, the source emphasized that it has not affected support for PN among voters. Internal struggles are not perceived as diminishing support, with other factors influencing voters' rejection of the unity government.

In response to talks of a rift, Muhyiddin's former private secretary, Marzuki Mohamad, highlighted that the former PM had endorsed Samsuri as a future prime minister during the campaign for the Kemaman parliamentary by-election. Muhyiddin's statement on Nov 5 emphasized PN's strategic move to showcase its best leaders.

To address Hadi's absence from PN meetings, Marzuki mentioned that the PAS leader was undergoing medical treatment. PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man also dismissed rumours of strained ties between Muhyiddin and Hadi, asserting that the two leaders remain "very close" as of Feb 2. He reiterated that there is no doubt about Muhyiddin's position as PN's prime ministerial candidate, dispelling claims that PAS is pushing for Samsuri to assume the top job in the coalition.

Source: FMT