INTERNAL divisions within Perikatan Nasional (PN) during the Johor state election campaign risk undermining the coalition’s electoral strength and could translate into a tactical advantage for Barisan Nasional (BN), political analyst Hisomuddin Bakar of ILHAM Centre has warned.
He said the continuing friction between PAS and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) was not only damaging bilateral relations within the coalition but also eroding PN’s broader image as a unified political force.
"If we are to say that PAS is too weak or Bersatu is too strong, I believe that is not the issue.
"The reality is that both parties were previously the formula that strengthened PN’s brand in Johor, enabling it to mount a challenge to BN in a state regarded as an UMNO and BN stronghold.
"However, when there is inconsistency in PN’s strategic arrangements, both parties ultimately risk losing voter confidence," he told Astro Awani.
Hisomuddin said the public nature of the rift could be particularly damaging among younger voters, who tend to favour political coalitions perceived as stable, cohesive and free from internal disputes.
"If young voters see daily statements of attacks against each other, they will tend to gravitate towards parties that present a more united image and are not mired in controversy.
"If infighting takes place openly on social media and in the mainstream media, it will to some extent influence emotions as well as the way rational voters make their decisions," he said.
The comments follow PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang’s announcement on 8 June that the party had ended its political cooperation with Bersatu, with PAS subsequently stating that its election machinery would not support Bersatu candidates in the Johor campaign.
According to Election Commission data, Johor has 2,727,926 registered voters, of whom 1,297,931, or approximately 47.6 per cent, are aged between 18 and 39, a demographic widely seen as increasingly influential in shaping electoral outcomes.
Early voting for the Johor state election is scheduled for 7 July, with polling day set for 11 July. - July 1, 2026
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