SHAH ALAM: The suggestion by a PAS leader for its secretary-general, Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, to be appointed as Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) secretary-general was merely an opinion, says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
The Perikatan chairman said such proposals are common and part of the coalition’s open and systematic approach to decision-making.
“There have been statements, but they are not demands, merely opinions suggesting candidates for the chairman and secretary-general of Perikatan as well as the prime ministerial candidate,” said Muhyiddin during a press conference at Bersatu’s annual general meeting held at the Ideal Convention Centre here on Saturday (Nov 30).
On Friday (Nov 29), Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali is set to be Perikatan’s new secretary-general and his appointment will be finalised during the coalition’s supreme council meeting on Dec 9.
Muhyiddin, who is Pagoh MP, explained that in Perikatan, decisions are made collectively through its supreme council.
“You can make suggestions, but at the end of the day, it is the supreme council that deliberates, discusses and ultimately decides.
“Even the issue of a prime ministerial candidate is not my decision alone; it is determined by the supreme council,” he added.
Muhyiddin assured that such discussions do not cause rifts within the coalition.
“In Perikatan, we have never fought over these matters. We reach agreements amicably as long as they help us achieve our goals.”
PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden had proposed Takiyuddin as Perikatan’s new secretary-general, urging Muhyiddin to consider the appointment in light of Hamzah’s recent role as Bersatu deputy president.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday (Nov 26), Afnan argued that Takiyuddin’s experience and seniority made him a strong candidate for the position.