PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the Islamic party respected PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin’s authority to appoint coalition leaders.

“PAS can work with anyone; there’s no issue with Azmin’s appointment,” he told FMT, adding that PN was now focused on preparations for the Sabah state elections scheduled for next year.

In addition to confirming Azmin’s appointment as PN secretary-general, a position he also holds in Bersatu, PN’s Supreme Council meeting yesterday appointed several other leaders following the coalition parties’ recent internal elections.

Bersatu deputy president Hamzah Zainudin has been named PN deputy chairman, party vice-president Ahmad Faizal Azumu takes on the role of PN information chief, while Wanita Bersatu chief Mas Ermieyati Samsudin will lead the coalition’s women’s wing.

Two other Bersatu vice-presidents, Ronald Kiandee and Radzi Jidin, were appointed to the coalition’s Supreme Council.

Last month, PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden had proposed Takiyuddin for the PN secretary-general’s post, citing his experience and seniority within the coalition, which comprises Bersatu, PAS, Gerakan, and the Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP).

Takiyuddin, who is also the Kota Bharu MP, serves as PAS secretary-general and PN’s chief whip.

FMT also cited a source from Bersatu as saying that Muhyiddin’s appointment of Azmin had caused dissatisfaction within PAS.

The source questioned why the announcement of Azmin as PN’s new secretary-general was “made in a hurry” and that PAS seemed uncomfortable with it.

The source noted that Hamzah’s previous appointment as PN secretary-general was made after discussions in the Supreme Council, taking into consideration the views of all component parties.