Malaysia

Growing pressure within Bersatu for PAS to exit PN amid claims of leadership drift

The strain fuels calls for PAS to reconsider its future in the coalition and explore alternative political alignments

Updated 4 months ago · Published on 08 Jun 2026 8:55AM

Growing pressure within Bersatu for PAS to exit PN amid claims of leadership drift
Internal dissatisfaction within Bersatu is reportedly intensifying as concerns mount over Perikatan Nasional’s effectiveness under its current leadership - June 8, 2026

DISCONTENT is reportedly growing within Bersatu over the direction and effectiveness of Perikatan Nasional (PN), with party insiders claiming an increasing number of leaders and grassroots members would prefer PAS to leave the coalition rather than continue what they describe as a period of organisational stagnation.

According to a Bersatu source, frustration has deepened since the appointment of Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar as PN chairman, with some within the party questioning the coalition’s ability to function effectively and make timely decisions.

"Actually, many within Bersatu hope PAS will quickly leave PN and either go solo or form Muafakat Nasional 2.0 with UMNO rather than continue damaging PN.

"In their view, since Dr Sam became PN chairman, PN has become ineffective, weak, slow and unable to make decisions. Dr Sam appears to be merely a puppet, while the PN Supreme Council is under the influence of the PAS President and the Syura Council," the source told BH.

The allegations emerged as PAS prepares to deliberate on its future cooperation with Bersatu during a meeting of the party’s Central Committee.

The discussion follows concerns raised by PAS’ Majlis Syura Ulama (MSU), which reportedly expressed serious reservations over internal disputes and leadership tensions within Bersatu, arguing that the issues could undermine the strength, stability and public credibility of PN.

The source claimed that efforts within PAS to distance itself from Bersatu are not a recent development but have been circulating internally since last year.

According to the source, proposals to revive Muafakat Nasional without Bersatu’s participation, as well as suggestions of political cooperation involving Bersatu Deputy President Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin in an individual capacity, had surfaced previously.

"The pressure within PAS to sever ties with Bersatu and establish Muafakat Nasional 2.0 without Bersatu is not new. These discussions have been heard since last year.

"There were even statements previously suggesting cooperation with Hamzah without involving Bersatu," the source said.

The source further alleged that relations between PAS and Bersatu have deteriorated over the past year following a series of public remarks by PAS leaders that were perceived as criticism of Bersatu President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and the party’s leadership.

According to the source, tensions intensified after several PAS figures openly questioned Bersatu’s role and commitment within the coalition.

"The PAS President previously accused Bersatu of betraying the shared struggle and also issued public statements calling for a review of relations with Bersatu.

"The open attacks by PAS leaders against the Bersatu President and the party since last year have angered many within Bersatu," the source said.

The source also alleged that PAS had increasingly involved itself in Bersatu’s internal affairs and had engaged in discussions with external political parties without first raising the matters at meetings of the PN Supreme Council.

The claims come at a critical juncture for the opposition coalition as speculation grows over PAS’ long-term commitment to PN and whether renewed cooperation with UMNO through a revived Muafakat Nasional framework could reshape Malaysia’s political landscape ahead of future elections.

No official response had been issued by PAS or PN leadership regarding the allegations at the time of publication. - June 8, 2026

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