Bersatu’s political future at ‘breaking point’, say analysts

THE absence of high-profile leaders and an escalating internal crisis have placed Bersatu at a critical juncture, with analysts warning that the party’s political future could be decided within weeks.

Political analyst James Chin described Bersatu as being at a “breaking point,” cautioning that it may either survive the current turmoil or fracture in the near term.

“At the breaking point, either they will survive or break up very soon,” he said, adding that it remains too early to determine which faction will ultimately prevail.

Chin said the coming one to two weeks would be crucial, as internal alignments and grassroots responses begin to take shape.

Among the key indicators to watch, he noted, are the number of party branches that may shut down and whether there will be a last-minute surge of support for either President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin or sacked Deputy President Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, who are central figures in the unfolding leadership struggle.

“Things usually move fast in situations like this. Within one or two weeks, we will know the fate of Bersatu,” he said.

Chin stressed that Bersatu must convene an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) as soon as possible to demonstrate that the current leadership remains in control.

At the same time, he said Hamzah would need to formally launch his own party swiftly to prove he is capable of mounting a reverse takeover of Bersatu.

Separately, political analyst Dr Azmi Hassan of Academy Nusantara said the party’s weakening position stems largely from the loss of prominent leaders rather than grassroots erosion alone.

According to Azmi, Bersatu’s strength has historically rested more on the stature of its top leadership than on deep-rooted party machinery.

With several key figures either expelled or having stepped down, he argued that the party’s core foundation has been severely undermined.

“The strength of Bersatu was not so much at the grassroots level, but in its leaders, who were big names,” he said.

“When these prominent figures are expelled or withdraw, the party inevitably becomes weaker.”

He described the recent expulsions and dissolution of several party divisions as a political storm that has already inflicted significant damage.

Even with support from PAS, Azmi said it would be extremely difficult for Bersatu to regain the level of influence it once enjoyed.

Azmi added that any sustained weakening of Bersatu would also have implications for Perikatan Nasional (PN), the coalition in which the party plays a central role.

“When Bersatu becomes weak, PN will inevitably be affected,” he said, warning that support could gradually erode in the absence of its once-prominent leadership figures. – February 20, 2026