KUALA LUMPUR — PAS could stand to gain more politically by forming a new alliance with Umno and the Reset movement than by remaining tied to Bersatu, according to political analysts who believe the party’s current turmoil reflects a broader leadership crisis.
Political analyst Dr Azmi Hassan said the roots of Bersatu’s internal conflict stem from concerns surrounding the leadership of party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
“Tan Sri Muhiyiddin Yassin as the president of Bersatu has lost his direction for the last two years. Maybe due to his deteriorating health and also his court cases,” he told Scoop.
Azmi said Bersatu had previously been regarded as a key pillar within Perikatan Nasional (PN), despite PAS holding a larger number of parliamentary seats.
“Even though PAS has more member of parliament, but under the stewardship of Tan Sri before this, Bersatu is something to be respected. Because it gave direction for Perikatan Nasiaon (PN), it gave dignity for PN,” he explained.
However, he argued that the party’s declining influence and leadership challenges have contributed to growing dissatisfaction among figures linked to the Reset movement, creating an opportunity for PAS to pursue a different political strategy.
“Now, if I think the best scenario for PAS in this case is just abandon PN and work with Unmo. I think that will create an upheaval, a new scenario if PAS together with the Reset group plus Unmo work together.”
“Whether a very tight agreement or a very loose agreement, I think it will create something positive for the Malay community in this case,” he said.
Associate Professor Mazlan Ali also attributed the crisis to increasing discontent over Muhyiddin’s continued leadership.
“I think Muhyiddin’s leadership has been too long and the grassroots want change, but Muhyiddin’s unwillingness to step down caused the grassroots and leadership to start criticizing and opposing Muhyiddin.”
Mazlan said several prominent Bersatu figures, including Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee and Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, could strengthen Reset’s position if a new opposition bloc emerges under PAS.
“Hamzah Zainudin, Ronald Kiandee and Mas Emeiyiati are heavyweight figures who can create big waves in politics.”
“Their participation in politics can help Reset become a strong movement and can replace Bersatu in the new opposition line-up being formed by PAS,” he said.
According to Mazlan, PAS currently appears to be in the strongest position to shape any future opposition realignment.
He warned, however, that a PAS-Umno-Reset partnership could carry broader implications for Malaysia’s political landscape.
“The political realignment by PAS proposes that Umno will become one of the permanent political partners of Reset and other Malay parties.”
“If this really happens, there will be a wave of Malay Islam which will imply a Malay-non-Malay dichotomy and it is not very good for Malaysian multi-racial politics,” he cautioned.
Senior political analyst Prof Dr Lau Zhe Wei said PAS may have practical reasons to reassess its relationship with Bersatu following the party’s internal split.
“What can Bersatu contribute to that coalition?” he asked, arguing that PAS already possesses the grassroots machinery, manpower and leadership resources needed to operate independently.
He added that Umno would offer PAS greater strategic advantages than Bersatu.
“If PAS were to work with Umno, there will be different case. Umno can contribute something to PAS in terms of Malay nationalism seats.”
“Therefore, if PAS have to make a decision, most likely, they’ll go to Umno,” he said.
Lau also questioned the relevance of PN without PAS.
“Perikatan Nasional without PAS is meaningless. Just like, Barisan Nasional without Umno is meaningless.” – June 12, 2026