Perikatan Nasional's next chairperson does not have to be from among the presidents of its component parties, said its deputy secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan.
Addressing a press conference, Takiyuddin said the coalition's constitution does not limit the top position to the party president-level.
Instead, he said, the constitution stated that the PN chairperson shall be chosen by the supreme council members, and he or she shall hold the position as long as the council desires.
"There is not a single word here (in the party constitution) that says the PN chairperson must be chosen from among presidents of its component parties.
"None," he said during the conference at PAS headquarters in Kuala Lumpur this afternoon.
Takiyuddin called for the media conference to clarify several issues surrounding the coalition's top post, including a notice that he issued last Friday calling for a PN supreme council extraordinary meeting.
This came after Bersatu information chief Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz claimed the notice had violated PN's constitution as it did not invite Muhyiddin Yassin.
The Bersatu leader argued that despite Muhyiddin's recent resignation from the top position, he was still considered as PN chairperson until the decision received the PN supreme council's nod and is thus still a part of the council.
‘Resignation has taken effect’
However, Takiyuddin rebutted this, pointing out Muhyiddin's resignation letter had stated Jan 1 as the date of effect.
"While the resignation should only be effective after it is accepted by the PN supreme council, from a legal perspective, when the PN chairperson stepped down, and he stated a date when his resignation takes effect... here he stated Jan 1, based on his own letter.
"So, from a legal perspective, it is functus officio, meaning it has taken effect.
"But it will still be taken to the PN supreme council for endorsement," Takiyuddin said.
According to the Kota Bharu MP, the extraordinary meeting set for this Thursday would see the remaining 16 PN supreme council members decide whether to accept Muhyiddin's resignation, and should they do so, to discuss which party they want to lead the coalition.
The supreme council had 19 members, including Muhyiddin, but three have since resigned.
PAS candidate
When asked whether PAS has decided on the coalition chairperson candidates, Takiyuddin remains tight-lipped, except confirming that it would not be the president, Abdul Hadi Awang.
He also neither denies nor confirms if PAS has selected Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, saying it is Hadi’s prerogative to make such a decision and when to announce it.
"Only the president can announce. But it would be very soon," he said.
On Dec 30 last year, Bersatu president Muhyiddin resigned as the PN chairperson effective Jan 1.
Bersatu secretary-general and Selangor opposition leader Azmin Ali followed suit and announced his resignation as PN secretary-general, also effective Jan 1.
PN election director and Kedah Menteri Besar Sanusi Nor, however, later pointed out that Muhyiddin’s resignation would only be formally confirmed in a meeting with the coalition’s leaders.
Last week, a PAS source told Malaysiakini that the Islamist party has put forward three names as candidates to replace Muhyiddin.
The three are allegedly Sanusi, Samsuri, and PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.
Hadi has repeatedly stressed that the party is set to lead PN following Muhyiddin’s resignation.
PN presidential council
When asked to confirm if Muhyiddin has been chosen to lead the PN presidential council, as Malaysiakini reported earlier today, Takiyuddin said he was not aware of such a discussion and pointed out that it was for the presidential council to decide.
A Bersatu source has claimed that the party and PAS have made such an agreement during a recent meeting so that Muhyiddin can continue playing a role in PN.
"As far as I remember, there was no (such decision). Besides, it should not have been decided during the discussion (between PAS and Bersatu), because it is outside (presidential council meeting),” said Takiyuddin.
"I believe that when the presidential council calls for a meeting, the four (component party presidents) would discuss and decide among themselves.
"Whether we agree or not, it doesn't matter. This must be decided in the presidential council meeting."
However, Takiyuddin stated that PAS has no issue with the idea of Muhyiddin leading the council if all parties agree to it. - Mkini
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