PAS has numbers but no clear PM face, say analysts

Analysts have pointed out that while PAS holds the majority of seats in Parliament, their reluctance to name a prime ministerial candidate indicates uncertainty over who can command public confidence. Terengganu menteri besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar and Wawasan’s Hamzah Zainudin have both been suggested as potential candidates. Syaza Shukri of International Islamic University Malaysia suggested that this hesitation signals a wider leadership challenge within PAS, not just an issue with Samsuri or Hadi personally.

She noted that the party's difficulty in finding a figure acceptable to multiracial Malaysia is a systemic issue. The matter resurfaced after Bersatu information chief Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz questioned PAS's lack of a named candidate. PAS treasurer Iskandar Abdul Samad downplayed the issue, stating it was premature. PAS currently holds 43 seats, making it the single largest party in the Dewan Rakyat.

Samsuri has been mentioned frequently as a compromise figure, but PAS's internal hierarchy, religious leadership, and coalition partners raise doubts about his nomination. Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri of Global Asia Consulting said the party's hesitation could reflect its internal balance before the next general election. He warned that naming a candidate too early could lead to internal contestation and weaken PAS's ability to manage expectations among allies.

Analysts see PAS's dilemma as identifying a leader acceptable to its leadership, allies, and the electorate, despite its electoral strength.