Lau cited Muhyiddin’s experience, commitment to collaboration, and support across the PN ranks as key reasons for his candidacy.

“He also prioritises a collaborative approach, and moderation, and is highly suitable as the ‘poster boy’ for PN,” he said in a statement today.

Lau was responding to PAS spiritual leader Hashim Jasin, who said the Islamist party is more qualified to lead the coalition, given its number of parliamentary seats and strong grassroots machinery.

PAS holds the lion’s share of opposition seats in the Dewan Rakyat at 43, followed by Bersatu at 25, while Gerakan has no MP.

Hashim’s remarks followed earlier comments by Bersatu vice-president Ahmad Faizal Azumu, who insisted that Muhyiddin was the sole candidate for the prime minister’s post in the opposition.

Bersatu Supreme Council member Wan Saiful Wan Jan meanwhile told FMT it was unlikely that a PAS leader would spearhead PN’s charge at the next polls, despite the party’s dominance in the opposition coalition.

In his statement, Lau said: “The truth is we need 112 seats to form the government, not 43 or 50 seats.

“If it were only based on the number of seats, DAP would have nominated its representative as prime minister in the current government, but that is not the case.”

However, he said, all PN members are free to voice their opinions and suggestions, but it is ultimately its Supreme Council that makes decisions on leadership and major political matters.

Lau also called for PN to focus on working together to serve the people and ensure the coalition’s success in the next general election.