PAS threatens coalition split, risking Malaysia's Bersatu relevance

Analysts warn that Malaysia's Bersatu party could become a marginal Malay outfit without the grassroots support of the Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS). PAS President Abdul Hadi Awang has signalled that the party may contest the upcoming 2026 general election (GE16) independently of Bersatu, citing recent disputes over seat allocations and party appointments.

Commentators note that PAS has functioned as the operational backbone of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, especially in rural Malay constituencies. As Syaza Shukri of the International Islamic University Malaysia put it, “Without PAS, Bersatu is really nobody.” The split could reshape the PN alliance ahead of GE16 and alter the balance of Malay voter support.

The tension follows disagreements over the removal of the Perlis chief minister, alleged interference in Kedah and Kelantan appointments, and Bersatu's opposition to admitting new Malay‑Muslim parties into PN. If PAS proceeds alone, Bersatu risks being likened to the defunct Pejuang party, which suffered a crushing defeat in the previous election.