Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is reportedly stepping down as chairman of Perikatan Nasional (PN) amid growing tensions between Bersatu and PAS.
Sources said Muhyiddin’s resignation is expected to take effect on Jan 1. However, he will remain as Bersatu president and will focus on his Ikatan Prihatin Rakyat initiative.
A source familiar with the matter said Muhyiddin has already tendered his resignation from the PN chairmanship. This claim was also echoed by Port Dickson Bersatu chief Badrul Hisham Shaharin.
The New Straits Times is attempting to contact Muhyiddin for confirmation and further comment.
Relations between Bersatu and PAS have become increasingly strained following the recent political crisis in Perlis, which saw Bersatu take over the Menteri Besar post from PAS.
The crisis unfolded after five Bersatu assemblymen and three PAS assemblymen withdrew their support for then-Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli, who later resigned, citing health reasons.
Subsequently, PAS sacked the three assemblymen involved, resulting in their seats being declared vacant. The party has also called on Bersatu to take disciplinary action against its five assemblymen.
The appointment of Bersatu’s Abu Bakar Hamzah as the new Perlis Menteri Besar has further fuelled tensions, drawing criticism from several PAS leaders, with one even urging the party to sever ties with Bersatu.
