He also dismissed claims of any rift within the coalition, Sinar Harian reported.

“There is no rift or discord involved. We are just finding ways to strengthen PN for it to become a stronger political consensus as we prepare to face the next general election (GE16),” he was quoted as saying.

“Just read my comments on Facebook. You can interpret from there (the reason I resigned).”

Samsuri, who is Terengganu menteri besar, also declined to specify whether his resignation was voluntary or prompted by external pressure.

On Dec 12, Samsuri told FMT in a veiled message that “he is trying to do the right thing” when asked about his decision to resign.

The Kemaman MP quoted American basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who said “I try to do the right thing at the right time. They may just be little things but usually they make the difference between winning and losing”.

His resignation came as a surprise as Samsuri is regarded as a key figure in PAS and PN.

The timing of his resignation also raised questions as it came just days after the PN Supreme Council confirmed several key appointments in the coalition. Several Bersatu leaders were appointed to major posts, including Azmin Ali as PN secretary-general.