PETALING JAYA, January 5 — Analysts have cautioned that PAS’s move to assume leadership of Perikatan Nasional (PN) could further entrench the coalition’s image as a Malay-Islamic bloc, potentially alienating non-Malay voters.
International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst Syaza Shukri said Bersatu’s long-standing role as a “buffer” between PAS and non-Malays has not sufficiently softened PN’s image, warning that PAS leadership would reinforce perceptions of PN as a Malay-Islamist coalition.
Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Sivamurugan Pandian added that PN’s strategy has focused more on consolidating the Malay vote rather than broadening its multiracial appeal, cautioning that the coalition risks shrinking nationally without a more inclusive narrative.
The concerns follow PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan’s statement on Dec 30 that the party is prepared to lead PN after Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin announced his resignation as chairman. Ilham Centre’s Hisomuddin Bakar, however, urged PAS not to underestimate the PN brand.
Noting it could help reduce voter resistance to PAS, especially among voters rejecting Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional. He also highlighted growing strains within PN following the Perlis political crisis, which saw the resignation of PAS menteri besar Shukri Ramli.
And the appointment of Bersatu’s Abu Bakar Hamzah, further exposing tensions between PAS and Bersatu over leadership, strategy and coalition direction.
