PAKATAN Harapan's youth wing has intensified pressure on Barisan Nasional by urging all of its ministers and deputy ministers to step down from the Federal Cabinet, claiming the coalition's electoral cooperation with Perikatan Nasional is incompatible with its continued participation in the Unity Government.
In a joint statement, Angkatan Muda Harapan (AMH), representing the youth wings of the four Pakatan Harapan component parties, said BN's decision to work alongside PN in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections demonstrated that it no longer valued the trust and positions accorded to it by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim within the Unity Government.
The coalition also argued that BN's collaboration with PN reflected a broader political realignment rather than a temporary electoral arrangement.
"AMH condemns the statement by Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who openly said that voter support for BN and PN candidates at the state level would serve as a testing ground for the formula and could potentially be translated to the national level ahead of the 16th General Election (GE16).
"The BN chairman's admission shows that the BN-PN cooperation is no longer temporary or tactical, but rather preparation towards the formation of a new political alignment, raising serious questions over BN's commitment to the Unity Government," the statement said.
AMH said Zahid's remarks suggested BN was prioritising the formation of a new political alliance over preserving its partnership with Pakatan Harapan at the federal level.
"Such a statement clearly shows that BN no longer appreciates the spirit of cooperation with Pakatan Harapan in the Unity Government, despite holding the post of Deputy Prime Minister, several ministerial portfolios and other important positions in the government," it said.
The youth coalition also pointed to Pakatan Harapan's decision to allocate state executive council positions to BN following the 2023 state elections in Penang and Selangor, describing it as a demonstration of respect for the Unity Government despite both states having long been governed by PH.
It questioned BN's continued commitment to the coalition, claiming its actions had repeatedly tested the patience of its partners.
"AMH urges all BN Ministers and Deputy Ministers to resign immediately so that the party can focus fully on strengthening its political cooperation with PN without affecting the administration of the Federal Government.
"Such a move would also reduce public confusion over BN's political direction and allow the government to concentrate on the economic agenda, attracting investment and improving the people's well-being," the statement said.
AMH maintained that Malaysians wanted a government focused on economic development, national unity and improving public welfare, rather than parties engaged in political campaigns centred on race and religion.
The joint statement was signed by AMH Information Chief and Amanah Youth deputy chief Ammar Atan, DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) National Publicity Secretary Ho Chi Yang, Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) Information Chief Danish Hairudin and WARDA Communications Bureau director Syazana Nasir.
Last Wednesday, Barisan Nasional announced 25 of its 36 candidates for the Negeri Sembilan state election, while Perikatan Nasional unveiled the remaining 11 candidates the following day, comprising five from PAS, four from Parti Wawasan, and one each from Gerakan and the Malaysian Indian People's Party (MIPP). - July 19, 2026
