PAS and Bersatu’s risky rift

 

PETALING JAYA: The cracks between Perikatan Nasional components PAS and Bersatu are evolving into a full-blown power struggle that could result in their breakup, say analysts.

Political analyst Dr Azmil Mohd Tayeb said PAS can afford a breakup more than Bersatu but at the risk of losing its mixed seats.

“When PAS competed on its own in the 14th general election, it won 18 seats.

“When it joined forces with Bersatu under the Perikatan banner in 2022, it won 43 seats,” he said.

Azmil cited another example where in the last general election in Kedah, almost the entire electoral machinery was made up of PAS members.

“I do not see how Bersatu can be ready in time for the general election,” said Azmil.

He also pointed out that Bersatu is facing an implosion, following the sacking of its former deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin and a few other ­elected representatives in February.

“Hamzah and those who were sacked had started a new political movement called ‘Reset’. It does not look good for Bersatu with this implosion,” he added.

PAS and Bersatu formed a political cooperation in February 2020 through Perikatan, following the Sheraton Move.

There are currently four parties in the coalition – PAS, Bersatu, Gerakan and Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP),

Sunway University’s Prof Wong Chin Huat said the breakup between Bersatu and PAS would most likely take place before the next general election.

“No official divorce is needed and if a new vehicle is established, the old one would just die a natural death,” he said.

For PAS, he said, it is not which vehicle can deliver victory but simply which is better.

“Having said that, PAS would not want to go solo because it would show a retreat. Instead, it would drop Bersatu and may take on the Reset movement,” said Wong.

Political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said that Perikatan is unlikely to collapse immediately because both PAS and Bersatu still need each other electorally.

He said while PAS is seen as providing the machinery, loyal grassroots and Malay-Muslim base, Bersatu offers a broader national branding, former government experience and access to mixed-seat strategy.

“However, the latest rift reflects a deeper struggle over leadership, seat dominance and the future direction of Perikatan.

“Internal distrust could weaken coordination before the coming general election,” he added.

He said that while PAS is able to go solo in the Malay heartland in the Peninsula, it cannot do so nationally. 

“Without allies, PAS may struggle in mixed and urban constituencies where coalition politics remains crucial,” he said.

Sivamurugan said a PAS-Bersatu split would be far more damaging for Bersatu as it is dependent on PAS machinery and voter transferability since 2020. - Star