Malaysia's Johor state election faces fragmented PN as PAS and Bersatu split

Analysts say the upcoming Johor state election on July 11 will largely become a contest between Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan, as the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition’s two main parties – PAS and Bersatu – remain divided and lack strong allies. Both parties have explored potential partnerships with minor groups such as Pejuang, Putra, Berjasa, Muda and Iman, but these smaller parties are seen as having little sway to challenge the larger coalitions.

Gerakan party president Dominic Lau urged PN to stay united ahead of the Johor poll and the Negeri Sembilan election on August 1, calling for internal discussions on seat allocations and coalition strategy. Tensions rose after PAS severed ties with Bersatu on June 8, accusing Muhyiddin Yassin’s party of abandoning Malay‑Muslim unity. Bersatu has responded by pledging to contest under the PN banner and to oppose PAS in the two state contests.

The fragmented PN landscape underscores the difficulty for PAS and Bersatu to pose a serious challenge, reinforcing expectations that BN and PH will dominate the Johor race.