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PETALING JAYA: Perikatan Nasional has been urged to consider replacing Muhyiddin Yassin as its chairman following his controversial remarks about being passed over for appointment as prime minister in 2022.

Socio-political analyst Awang Azman Pawi of Universiti Malaya said the opposition coalition had to now bear the consequence of Muhyiddin’s remarks, which have been alleged to offend 3R (race, religion and royalty) sensitivities.

He said the latest controversy could destroy PN’s reputation and a repeat of such incidents could see the public rejecting the coalition at the next general election.

"Many felt it was irresponsible to touch on 3R issues while campaigning. Such extremes could influence voters to back a more stable and moderate alternative. If PN fails to deal with this matter, it would cost them in the long run," he told FMT.

However, another analyst, Salawati Mat Basir of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, said PN would not be able to undo the current predicament even if there was a change in leadership.

Salawati said there is no guarantee that such controversies would not be sparked again. 

"Politicians, especially the opposition, love to criticise and there is a tendency for them to go overboard," he said.

Awang Azman said PN needed a leader who was politically savvy and also expert in managing crises, one who could ensure that such controversies are not repeated.

The opposition also needs a moderate leadership acceptable to all, he said.

Muhyiddin courted controversy when he wondered why the Yang di-Pertuan Agong then, Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, had not invited him to become prime minister after the 2022 general election. He alleged that he had enough support for a majority.

His remarks, in a by-election ceramah in Kelantan earlier this month, were viewed as questioning the sovereignty of the king, and led to a range of police reports being lodged against him.

Yesterday, Muhyiddin defended his statement, saying it was factual and not meant to incite the public or intended to insult the monarchy.