KUALA LUMPUR — Cooperation between Bersatu and Pakatan Harapan (PH) can have advantages for the ruling coalition, particularly in strengthening its appeal among Malay voters, analysts said.
However, socio-political analyst Datuk Professor Awang Azman Awang Pawi said it can only be acceptable to PH supporters if there is a compelling argument for doing so, he told Scoop.
“If Bersatu were brought into the coalition without a clear principles-based narrative, PH could face backlash from its grassroots,” said the academic from Universiti Malaya’s Academy of Malay Studies.
PH supporters would likely continue to associate Bersatu with the collapse of the PH government through the Sheraton Move in 2020, he noted. As an example, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke recently dismissed any possibility of such a collaboration, citing Bersatu’s “betrayal” in 2020.
Geostrategist Professor Dr Azmi Hassan also agreed that Bersatu could potentially strengthen PH’s position among Malay voters.
“Support from Bersatu could help Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim broaden the government’s acceptability among Malay voters, reduce Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) narrative that PH is dominated by DAP, and weaken the opposition’s Malay political bloc,” he said.
However, the risks include upsetting PH supporters, as well as resistance from existing coalition partners, particularly Umno, Azmi added.
Azmi also said despite denials by Bersatu leaders to such speculation, the party may be forced to seek a broader political platform as it cannot afford to remain isolated.
“They need an umbrella with a bigger party, which is PH, because by going solo, Bersatu will be in limbo and will be insignificant in the national political scenario,” he said.
Azmi does not expect Bersatu to declare support for the unity government now, and any potential cooperation would likely be limited to electoral arrangements ahead of the next general election.
“It could be a very loose coalition just for the purpose of the upcoming general election. I don’t think Bersatu will be part of the current federal government because it is too difficult given the existing political realities,” he said.
Bersatu and PH figures have been actively denying speculation that the opposition party would form an electoral pact with the ruling PH for a snap general election.
The rumours of a collaboration emerged alongside strained ties between Bersatu and PAS. Both are allies in the PN coalition but the more dominant PAS is seeking greater control and recently said it would review ties with Bersatu.
Bersatu is seen as growing weaker after open calls for the resignation of its president, former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, which were quelled with the sacking of prominent MPs including Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin, and the suspension of others.
Awang Azman said while public denials are not uncommon in Malaysian politics, politicians may still want to gauge reactions from allies and grassroots supporters before making any official decision.
The speculation also reflects the broader uncertainty within Malaysia’s political landscape as parties assess their strategic positions ahead of the general election.
To take rumours of a Bersatu-PH alignment seriously, however, Awang Azman said several indicators would need to emerge: a change in tone from key leaders, official or semi-official engagements, and signs that grassroots supporters are prepared to accept such cooperation.
“Without these signs, it remains speculation,” he said.
Yesterday, Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali denied claims the party was considering a return to PH. He described the rumours as aimed at undermining Bersatu.
To the contrary, he claimed the rumours were circulating because Bersatu was regaining strength and support. – May 31, 2026