PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari has suggested that PAS and Bersatu consider contesting future elections separately following a renewed dispute over the strength of party machinery within Perikatan Nasional (PN).
Fadhli said prospects for smooth cooperation appeared limited if concerns about Bersatu’s grassroots machinery continued to be dismissed.
His remarks came in response to a viral video from a ceramah in Melaka, where Bersatu secretary-general Azmin Ali rejected claims that his party lacked an effective grassroots network and urged critics to “open their eyes and ears”.
Concerns over cooperation within PN
In a Facebook post, Fadhli questioned whether meaningful cooperation could continue if differing views on party strength were not openly acknowledged.
He also raised concerns about Bersatu’s actions in Perlis and Negeri Sembilan, saying these developments had cast doubt on the party’s ability to independently exercise sound political judgment when forming a federal government after the 16th general election (GE16).
“Personally, I believe the best way forward is for us to go our separate ways. We can remain friends, just not during elections.
“You can look for political allies with sharper hearing, clearer vision, and a stronger sense of smell. All the best,” he said.
Hadi previously questioned Bersatu’s machinery
On May 22, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang claimed that Bersatu had sought a large number of seats in previous state elections and by-elections despite lacking sufficient machinery on the ground.
According to Hadi, PAS frequently had to mobilise its own machinery to support coalition campaigns and election efforts.
He also criticised Bersatu’s role in Perlis, where the menteri besar position shifted from PAS to Bersatu.
Referring to the political developments in Negeri Sembilan, Hadi questioned why Bersatu assemblymen withdrew support after initially agreeing to cooperate with Umno in efforts to form a new state government.
Debate over grassroots strength
Fadhli said there was nothing inherently wrong with a political party having a weaker grassroots structure, particularly if it was still relatively new.
However, he argued that problems arise when such shortcomings are not recognised, resulting in political decisions being made based on perceptions of strength that may not accurately reflect realities on the ground.
His comments highlight ongoing differences within PN over electoral strategy, party organisation and preparations ahead of future elections.
