The unity government would remain in power even if Umno withdraws as demanded by its Youth wing, according to PKR MP Hassan Abdul Karim. However, the government’s survival would depend heavily on DAP’s decision to reassess its position.
Hassan shared this analysis in a Facebook post following Umno Youth’s recent call for the party to exit the coalition.
Impact of Potential Withdrawals
Umno holds 25 seats in the Dewan Rakyat, with its Barisan Nasional partners adding four more. If Umno’s MPs leave, the unity government would still retain a majority. But a DAP pullout, involving its 40 MPs, would reduce the government’s seats to just 83, well below the required majority.
In such a scenario, the government would be constitutionally obliged to resign or call for a general election. Hassan emphasised this point in his review of the possible outcomes from Umno Youth’s demand.
The unity government’s structure makes it vulnerable to shifts from key component parties.
The reputations of Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh and DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook are now under scrutiny.
If Umno stays in the government despite the Youth wing’s push, Akmal would face pressure to resign. Similarly, if DAP remains without seeing reforms in the next six months as requested, the party’s credibility could suffer greatly.
DAP’s Reform Demands
Hassan noted that people would lose respect for DAP if it continues in the coalition without meaningful changes. Last month, Loke stated the party would reassess its role unless reforms are delivered soon.
This followed DAP’s loss of all eight seats in the Sabah state assembly.
A greater threat to Pakatan Harapan could emerge if Umno exits and forms a Malay-Muslim alliance with PAS and Bersatu. Such a unified coalition would pose a significant challenge in the upcoming general election. The 16th general election must take place by February 2028.
Hassan Abdul Karim’s Perspective
Hassan, the MP for Pasir Gudang, highlighted these potential developments in his social media post. His outspoken views underscore the fragile balance within the unity government. The coming months will be crucial in determining the coalition’s direction.
