The future of the loose opposition alliance Ikatan Prihatin Rakyat (IPR) depends heavily on the stability of Perikatan Nasional (PN), according to PAS treasurer Iskandar Abdul Samad.
His remarks came amid growing calls for parties within the opposition bloc to prioritise unity and the interests of the people while addressing internal tensions within PN.
Iskandar said concerns raised regarding the coalition’s stability were understandable, as the strength and continuity of PN would directly affect IPR’s future.
“To ensure PN remains stable, all parties must respect the new leadership under PAS as well as PAS’s position as the core party with the largest machinery and membership base,” he told FMT.
He added that stability within the coalition could not be achieved without mutual respect among component parties.
Calls for unity within opposition bloc
Iskandar was responding to remarks made by Malaysian Advancement Party president P Waytha Moorthy, who yesterday urged all parties within PN, especially PAS leaders, to continue prioritising unity and public interests.
Waytha’s statement followed recent remarks by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, who disclosed that PAS was reassessing its relationship with Bersatu and considering the possibility of contesting GE16 without the Muhyiddin Yassin-led party.
Hadi cited several factors that had strained relations between the parties, including the replacement of the Perlis menteri besar and Bersatu’s opposition to admitting new Malay-Muslim parties into PN.
He also warned that “patience has its limits”.
Questions over PAS’s role in IPR
Led by Muhyiddin, IPR currently comprises 11 opposition parties, including PAS, Bersatu, Gerakan, Muda, Berjasa, Pejuang and Putra.
Other parties within the alliance include the Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP), the National Indian Muslim Alliance Party (Iman), MAP and Urimai.
However, the absence of PAS representatives at several recent IPR meetings has sparked questions over the party’s continued commitment to the coalition.
Muhyiddin calls for stronger cooperation
In March, Muhyiddin said the IPR alliance needed to evolve into a “more meaningful relationship” among like-minded parties in order to remain politically relevant ahead of the next general election.
His remarks reflected ongoing efforts within the opposition bloc to strengthen cooperation amid shifting political dynamics and growing uncertainty over future alliances.
