PN must focus on unity, not PM candidate issue - Tuan Ibrahim

PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man has urged Perikatan Nasional to focus on strengthening the coalition rather than being distracted by debates over the coalition’s prime ministerial candidate.

He said the matter is only pertinent if PN secures a major victory in the 16th general election.

“PN must continue to march forward by strengthening our struggle and strategies. We should not waste time entertaining slanders from our enemies or ‘spins’ that are deliberately magnified.

“The issue of a prime ministerial candidate is only relevant if PN wins big and qualifies to lead the federal government.

“We need not burn the midnight oil or rack our brains merely to serve the agenda of our opponents who want to see PN divided,” Tuan Ibrahim (above) said in a statement today.

Questions surrounding PAS’ prime minister candidate were debated during the muktamar in Kedah after party president Abdul Hadi Awang, in his policy speech on Monday, indicated the party's readiness to govern the country.

At a press conference later, Hadi elaborated that leaders above the age of 70 - which includes himself and PN chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin - should not be the prime minister.

Bersatu delegates at the party’s annual general meeting previously endorsed their president Muhyiddin as their prime minister candidate.

‘First rare the goats’

According to Tuan Ibrahim, PAS’ 71st muktamar, which ended yesterday, formulated a vision to strengthen both the party and PN’s cause, with a special focus on reassuring non-Muslim communities that they need not fear the Islamist party.

He also stressed that while PN holds 73 parliamentary seats and controls four states, the coalition’s journey is still long.

“Although the shadow of Putrajaya is visible, it is not yet clear. As the saying goes, ‘First rear the goats, then only discuss the division of profits’,” he said.

The Kubang Kerian MP reminded PN component parties - PAS, Bersatu, Gerakan, and Malaysian Indian People's Party - to continue working as one team and not rest on past achievements.

“The enemy is surely planning strategies, and with their position as the federal government, all resources and facilities will be maximised to defend their power.

“If we truly want success, let us strengthen our unity in facing the Sabah state election as the first test before steering the ship towards Putrajaya,” he added.

Tuan Ibrahim concluded with a call for PN to “return to Islamic solutions” for a better future for the country.

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