Malaysia's PAS balances alliance with Bersatu ahead of Johor state election

The Islamic party PAS is maneuvering ahead of the Johor state election, urging cooperation with its former coalition partner Bersatu while also directing supporters to back Barisan Nasional (BN) where PN does not field candidates. Former UMNO Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin told Bersatu voters to follow PAS’s lead and vote for BN in such seats, describing the move as a “grand collaboration” among Malays.

Political analysts say PAS is separating rhetoric from electoral strategy, seeking the benefits of Bersatu’s local support without fully bearing the cost of a break. The party announced it would defend Malay‑Muslim political power and warned voters against Pakatan Harapan, but stopped short of a definitive decision on Bersatu. The stance reflects PAS’s dominant role in Perikatan Nasional and its calculation to keep Malay votes united in a tightly contested election.