PETALING JAYA: A political analyst has identified Perikatan Nasional secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan as the coalition’s most suitable candidate for the post of opposition leader, citing his parliamentary experience and legislative expertise.
Awang Azman Pawi of Universiti Malaya said the prospect of PAS taking up the role for the first time carried both symbolic and strategic weight.
“PAS is now the party with the most seats in PN. If the opposition leader’s post is held by a PAS leader, it will signal a shift in the balance of power within PN from Bersatu to PAS.
“This will strengthen PAS’s image as the backbone of the opposition, not just a component party,” he told FMT.
Although several names have been mentioned, Awang Azman said the best candidate would likely emerge from among the experienced PAS MPs.
“PAS needs someone who is not only loyal to the party, but also skilled in debating, understands parliamentary procedures and is able to engage strategically with the media and government.
“Takiyuddin is closer to that profile. He has experience as a minister in the prime minister’s department and has managed legislative processes.
“(PAS vice-president) Idris Ahmad stands out more in terms of political communication and grassroots relations, but from a technical parliamentary standpoint, Takiyuddin seems more suitable,” he said.
Awang Azman also said it would be difficult for PN chairman Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar to take on the role, as he still holds major responsibilities as Terengganu menteri besar.
“Managing a state government and being opposition leader in Parliament at the same time is not a light task. Moreover, he remains largely a state-level leader,” he said.
On the other hand, Akademi Nusantara’s Azmi Hassan said Bersatu has stronger candidates for the role of opposition leader.
He said a quid pro quo was likely involved when Bersatu allowed PAS to assume the PN chairman’s post, with the expectation that PAS would, in turn, permit a Bersatu nominee to serve as opposition leader.
“Even Takiyuddin may struggle to match the performance” of current opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin.
“If PAS is adamant about keeping the opposition leader’s post, then Samsuri is the ideal leader because he is the PN chairman. The opposition leader should be at the forefront of PN.
“Bersatu has many politicians with the qualities of an opposition leader. PN needs to demonstrate that it is capable of capturing Putrajaya and administering the nation,” he said.
Earlier, Takiyuddin said Samsuri was among the candidates being considered for the opposition leader’s post due to his position as PN chairman, with a decision expected by early next month.
He added that a key concern was whether Samsuri’s appointment would interfere with his responsibilities as menteri besar.
Hamzah, the former Bersatu deputy president, previously indicated his willingness to step down if a majority of PN MPs supported the move.
