KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar’s (pic) sta­ture as a technocrat and professional has made him acceptable to all Perikatan Nasional components as its new chairman, it was pointed out. “So, among all the possible names, the one considered acceptable to everyone was Ahmad Samsuri because of his professional background,” he added. Mazlan said with the sacking of Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin as Bersatu deputy president, PAS is likely to dominate in Perikatan. “The elevation of Ahmad Samsuri signals an attempt to project a more technocratic and moderate image, but PAS’s multi-­ethnic acceptability still depends on policy moderation, not just leadership optics. “Structurally, PAS now dominates Perikatan, and Bersatu may look sidelined with PAS holding the strategic helm of the coalition.

Source: The Star February 23, 2026 01:19 UTC