There were no succession details in the three-sentence statement.
The resignation comes as simmering tensions within the coalition between Muhyiddin-led Bersatu and PAS come to a boil following a political crisis in Perlis. The state’s Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli, who is from PAS, was ousted over the weekend ostensibly over health reasons.
Abu Bakar Hamzah from Bersatu took over the state leadership, angering PAS leaders who saw the move as a betrayal.
PAS later said on Tuesday that it is prepared to assume a leadership role within PN to strengthen the coalition’s organisation and readiness ahead of the 16th general election as well as upcoming state elections.
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Barely hours after Muhyiddin’s resignation, Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali announced on his Instagram account that he is also stepping down as the secretary general of the Opposition coalition on Jan 1. Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal also resigned as the PN Johor chairman.
Muhyiddin took over the leadership of PN in 2020 after deposing Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as the prime minister and leader of Bersatu. Under Muhyiddin, PN was formally consolidated as a coalition anchored by Bersatu and PAS.
The coalition also comprises several smaller component parties, including Gerakan and the Malaysian Indian People’s Party.
Edited by Jason Ng
