KUALA LUMPUR: Umno veteran Tan Sri Shahrir Ab Samad believes it is time for Pas to take over the leadership of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) alliance, succeeding Bersatu.
Shahrir's statement came after numerous coalition members expressed concerns over Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's presidency.
"The turmoil within PN marked by members 'crossing over' to the other side is partly due to Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's 'u-turn' influenced by his wife's counsel.
"PN is in disarray, and the mantle of leadership should rightfully pass to Pas, not Bersatu, which is preoccupied with internal discord, even involving the president's spouse," he said in a Facebook post.
Previously, Bukit Gantang Member of Parliament Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz, revealed that several PN MPs decided to support the unity government because they were deeply disappointed with the party, felt unappreciated and neglected.
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Syed Abu Hussin said these PN MPs believed that the PN leadership was unwilling to engage with Anwar's unity government for assistance.
Shahrir added that Bersatu should have taken decisive action against its members who pledged support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's administration, calling it a violation of their principles.
"This endorsement was made without the necessity of leaving the party, as the anti-party hopping law (which they endorse) would not result in a parliamentary seat vacancy if the party expelled them.
"Hence, the party cannot take any punitive measures against them. However, it is imperative to expel these individuals to safeguard the party's integrity.
"The clamour during the PN campaign in state elections and by-elections was noteworthy. Aligning with DAP in the unity government stains Umno's dignity!"
To date, six Bersatu MPs have declared their support for Anwar: Syed Abu Hussin, Zahari Kechik (Jeli), Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), Datuk Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan), and Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanafi (Tanjong Karang).