SHAH ALAM - It appears that Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is losing the top role in the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition based on the recent moves made by Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
This is following a recent meeting held between Dr Mahathir, Hadi, and several other Pas leaders.
In saying this, Umno leader Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak added that this move surprised many political quarters because no one expected Hadi to have such political foresight.
"It is, therefore, apparent that Hadi would like to keep the momentum of the 'green wave' going and continue to reap its gains.
"We cannot blame the PAS supremo for choosing Dr Mahathir because his political track record is far more impressive.
"That’s why the Prime Minister correctly does not take Muhyiddin as a serious threat," Salleh stated on his Facebook account.
However, Hadi is determined to keep what PAS gained during the recent general election and state elections, he added.
"How badly Muhyiddin would have taken this new development, we do not know, but we all know how ambitious he is politically.
"He is unlikely to take this lying down.
"Therefore, do not eliminate the possibility of Muhyiddin exploring and considering other political options." Commenting further, Salleh opines that, just like Dr Mahathir, Muhyiddin also believes that in politics, there are no permanent enemies.
"Muhyiddin is still the Bersatu president, as he has to rely on himself to safeguard his political interests and ambitions.
"Recent political developments may be seen by the think tank group within Pakatan Harapan (PH) as either a political threat or a political opportunity." It was reported previously that a top-level PAS delegation, which included four Menteri Besar, called on Dr Mahathir for what was described as a chat over economic development in states led by the party.
Hadi, Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi, Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud, Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar and PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan were among the attendees of the 90-minute meeting.