In an exclusive interview with FMT, the veteran statesman said PAS acknowledges it cannot win enough seats to take over Putrajaya without an expansion of support beyond its traditional East Coast base.
That is why PAS is not inclined to name a prime ministerial candidate, said Mahathir, adding that the party was concerned that doing so may dent its chances of winning broader acceptance from voters.
“PAS realises that it cannot become prime minister on its own. It needs support from the rest of the country.
“Their numbers are not enough to form the federal government. They must work with other parties to form the federal government. That is why PAS has not named a prime ministerial candidate.
“They accept that there should be a number of candidates, and they are willing to accept whoever is found suitable.
“But they are particularly against naming a prime ministerial candidate as they think that doing so will mean they may not get full support.”
PAS currently holds 43 seats in the Dewan Rakyat, making it the largest party in Parliament – ahead of DAP, PKR, and the Islamic party’s ally, Bersatu.
Perikatan Nasional is under scrutiny over the identity of its prime ministerial candidate for the 16th general election (GE16), which must be held by early 2028.
On Oct 1, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said his party had yet to nominate a candidate for Putrajaya’s top post, adding that the matter has not been discussed either at PAS or PN level.
He said PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang had also recently made it clear that the party does not want to name a candidate for now, as it was focused on winning GE16 first.
During the party’s muktamar in September, Hadi said his party had many qualified candidates for the role, but that they have opted to stay out of the spotlight, viewing the role as a heavy responsibility.
At its own general assembly, also held in September, Bersatu named its president, Muhyiddin Yassin, as its prime ministerial candidate.
However, PN and PAS election director Sanusi Nor later reminded Bersatu that such a decision requires consensus from all PN coalition partners.