PAS and Bersatu Tensions Threaten Unity of Malaysia's Perikatan Nasional Coalition

Malaysia’s Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition is facing growing strain as Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) leader Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang said his party's patience with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) has run out, accusing the latter of breaching the spirit of solidarity. Political observers from Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin described the PAS‑Bersatu relationship as “cracked, awaiting fracture,” warning the alliance could split at any time. The tension has been amplified by recent crises in the northern state of Perlis, where a change of Menteri Besar from PAS to Bersatu sparked accusations of betrayal, and in Negeri Sembilan, where two Bersatu assembly members adopted a neutral stance on the state’s chief minister, further souring relations.

PAS Information Chief Fadhli Shaari rebuked a video by Bersatu Secretary‑General Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali that labeled critics of Bersatu as “pekak.” Shaari argued that while a lack of party machinery is understandable for a new party, persistent shortcomings undermine cooperation. He suggested PAS should pursue a separate path while maintaining friendly ties, rather than contesting elections together, reflecting deepening doubts about the coalition’s future.