THE future configuration of Malaysia’s opposition bloc hangs in the balance as Perikatan Nasional navigates the collapse of the partnership between its two primary components, with PAS set to convene a decisive leadership meeting next week to chart its electoral strategy.
The political instability is further compounded by speculation surrounding RESET, a new movement led by former Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin, though coalition leaders maintain that no official application for membership has been tendered.
Perikatan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar confirmed that engagement with the new faction remains preliminary, stressing that any formal inclusion requires adherence to standard coalition protocols.
"There have not been any formal discussions for RESET to join PN; there have only been informal discussions. We have also had discussions with UMNO because each has its own leadership, but no decisions were made during the meeting.
“It is the same with RESET—no decision has been reached. We are waiting; if they want to be with PN, then they must submit an application, just as any other party wanting to join PN would have to apply."
The internal friction comes at a critical juncture as the coalition prepares for upcoming state elections in Johor and Negeri Sembilan.
Ahmad Samsuri, who also serves as PAS vice-president, indicated that the Islamic party would formulate its definitive stance on Wednesday before presenting its strategy to the wider coalition.
"As of now, there has been no decision whatsoever (to join a new alignment). It is normal in the process of facing an election that we conduct analyses and so forth, but there is no decision yet regarding any alignment.
“PAS will hold discussions at the highest leadership level next week and will determine how we want to move forward. We will discuss among ourselves first, and then we will hold a meeting together with PN."
Despite the structural challenges, Ahmad Samsuri expressed confidence in the electoral viability of the established opposition brands, acknowledging that the consecutive nature of the upcoming polls demands a more calculated approach.
"The PN brand has already gone through election processes, including by-elections and state elections in Sabah, so it is an established brand and there is no problem for us to face the election this time.
“Similarly, the PAS brand is already well-established, so there should not be any issues. However, the situation this time is rather unusual compared to previous state elections, as this time the state elections are being held consecutively in different states.
“Therefore, a more meticulous consideration must certainly be made by PAS and PN, as we are still assessing the best method."
The potential expulsion of Bersatu from the coalition has moved to the forefront of the political agenda following the formal cessation of ties between PAS and Bersatu earlier this week.
In Marang, PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang clarified that any constitutional reconfiguration of Perikatan Nasional would depend on the consensus of the remaining member parties, Gerakan and the Malaysian Indian People's Party (MIPP).
"We leave it entirely to Gerakan or MIPP whether they want to support PAS or Bersatu to remain in PN, after both parties (Bersatu and PAS) ended their political cooperation last Monday. Based on the PN Constitution, the removal of any component party requires a majority from the member parties to make a decision."
Addressing allegations regarding the restriction of coalition expansion, Hadi counter-accused Bersatu of previously blocking the integration of other Malay-centric factions into the alliance.
"To be clear, PAS agreed to the entry of other parties, including PEJUANG, to join the PN component, but Bersatu blocked it and requested that the party founded by former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad only offer its support from outside the coalition."
The contrasting manoeuvres by the opposition leadership underscore a profound realignment within the Malaysian political landscape, leaving Perikatan Nasional to contest impending state polls whilst actively redrawing its internal hierarchy. - June 13, 2026
