In Malaysia, Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) is poised to take over leadership of the opposition coalition Perikatan Nasional (PN) after the resignation of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as PN chairman on December 30. On January 2, 2026, Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, the president of PAS, announced that discussions regarding the leadership structure and potential new candidates for chairman will take place soon. A new leader is particularly significant as they could be positioned as the coalition's prime ministerial candidate in the next general election, which is expected to occur by early 2028. This transition of leadership follows Muhyiddin's resignation, which has led several other politicians from his party, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), to step down from their roles within PN. With PAS taking a leading role, analysts indicate that this could solidify PN's ideological stance, while simultaneously presenting challenges in appealing to a diverse electorate in Malaysia—especially the non-Malay segments. The selection of a new chairman will be crucial for retaining strong ties with PN's existing partners, which include Native-based Bersatu and smaller parties such as Gerakan and the Malaysian Indian People's Party. Political observers note that while Abdul Hadi is seen as the rightful successor due to his position and standing in the party, there is speculation about other potential candidates from both PAS and Bersatu. Notably, figures like Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, the deputy president of PAS, and Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, a vice-president viewed as a future leader, are under consideration. Analysts highlight that choices made in this leadership transition will be pivotal in shaping PN's future direction and ability to attract a more inclusive supporter base. To maintain unity within the coalition, it will be vital for PAS to nominate a candidate that can resonate with and gain acceptance from their allies. A failure to swiftly establish new leadership could lead to a potential crisis within PN, jeopardizing their cohesion and strategy to position themselves as a credible alternative in Malaysian politics, particularly as the next election approaches.