Iskandar said while Muhyiddin has his qualities as a leader, the former prime minister represents the “old order” and has already been given a chance to lead the country.

“The nation needs new leadership, and Samsuri is that breath of fresh air Malaysians need. Public response to his chairmanship of PN has been quite encouraging, as he projects an image that people from all walks of life and races are comfortable with,” he told FMT.

He was responding to a Facebook post by Urimai president P Ramasamy on May 8, in which he claimed that PAS does not have any leader capable of matching Muhyiddin’s political experience and leadership.

Ramasamy also claimed that Pakatan Harapan was more “worried about Muhyiddin rather than PAS’s national leaders”, saying Muhyiddin is generally more acceptable to the non-Malays.

Iskandar said, however, that if Muhyiddin still has influence, he is better suited to serving as a statesman and leading Ikatan Prihatin Rakyat (IPR) as an NGO, not a new political platform.

“You don’t need many platforms or coalitions. Too much politics will bore the public. If Muhyiddin truly still has influence, IPR could serve as an NGO working to strengthen PN,” he said.

PAS central committee member Dr Halimah Ali also said that PAS’s strength does not depend on individuals alone, as the party practises collective, discussion-based leadership, supported by technocrats and professionals from various fields.

“PAS is meticulous in planning its political moves and strategies. PAS is no ordinary political player.

“The party respects Muhyiddin as a statesman and celebrates IPR’s formation and role. However, PAS has its own plans for steering PN in leading a multiracial society,” she said.