Samsuri deserves a chance as PM candidate, says Muhyiddin

2026-03-05 - 13:34

Muhyiddin Yassin (left) reportedly said yesterday that Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar was not necessarily PN’s prime ministerial candidate for GE16 despite his appointment as the coalition’s chairman. PETALING JAYA: Newly appointed Perikatan Nasional chairman Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar should be given the chance to be the prime ministerial candidate in the 16th general election (GE16), says his predecessor Muhyiddin Yassin. In a video of an interview posted on Bersatu’s Facebook page, the former prime minister said the Terengganu menteri besar is qualified for the role despite “lacking experience”. “Who knows, once he is tested and given the opportunity, he could show his capabilities,” the Bersatu president said. The video’s caption did not state when the interview took place, but said it was the full recording of Muhyiddin’s response regarding the PN chairmanship and the prime ministerial candidate. Several media reported Muhyiddin as saying yesterday that Samsuri was not necessarily PN’s prime ministerial candidate for GE16 despite his appointment as the coalition’s chairman. The Pagoh MP maintained that the matter had not been discussed by Bersatu and PAS. Samsuri in turn gave a stinging response to Muhyiddin, saying that regardless of who becomes PN’s prime ministerial candidate, the priority at this juncture should be to strengthen the coalition and improve cooperation among component parties ahead of GE16. Regarding the PN chairmanship, Muhyiddin reiterated in the video that a senior-ranking leader of a component party should hold the position. He, however, acknowledged that the PN constitution did not state such a requirement. According to Muhyiddin, PAS insisted that its vice-president, Samsuri, be appointed to the position. “Since PAS is our friend in the struggle, we (said) okay. Maybe there is a valid reason to give a chance to a young leader,” he added.