The split between PAS and Bersatu has ended the perception of a united Malay opposition front, creating a more fragmented political landscape as parties compete for support ahead of upcoming state elections, analysts say.
According to Ilham Centre executive director Hisomuddin Bakar, PAS and Bersatu were able to consolidate Malay support across various voter segments during their cooperation under Perikatan Nasional (PN), weakening Umno-Barisan Nasional’s traditional dominance.
He said the breakup could now divide support among several parties targeting the same voter base, making Malay politics more competitive and open.
Growing competition for Malay votes
Universiti Malaya analyst Tawfik Yaakub said the separation has added further complexity to the Malay political arena, with multiple parties attempting to champion similar narratives and claim legitimacy among Malay voters.
He noted that PAS, Bersatu, Umno and Parti Wawasan Negara are now competing for the same segment of voters, making it increasingly difficult for any single party to position itself as the sole representative of Malay interests.
Tawfik also said some Malays may be growing weary of repeated political divisions among Malay leaders, which could contribute to voter frustration.
PAS and Bersatu previously formed the core of the opposition bloc, combining PAS’ extensive religious and grassroots network with Bersatu’s national leadership profile.
The alliance came to an end on June 8 when PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang announced that the party had officially severed political ties with Bersatu.
Opportunity and challenges for Umno
The split has also renewed discussion over whether Umno, often viewed as the most organisationally stable Malay party, can recover support lost in recent elections.
Both analysts said Umno could benefit from its established grassroots machinery and organisational strength. However, they cautioned that the party still faces significant challenges, particularly among younger voters who remain sceptical about its credibility and integrity.
Hisomuddin said Umno must convince Malays who abandoned the party during the last general election that it has undergone meaningful change and can meet their expectations.
He added that winning back younger voters and former PN supporters should remain a key priority for the party.
Tawfik said Umno must also persuade voters that political stability is more important than continued rivalry among Malay-based parties.
Malay unity message losing impact
While the narrative of Malay political unity continues to resonate emotionally with some voters, both analysts warned that its effectiveness may be weakening due to repeated calls for unity alongside ongoing political fragmentation.
Hisomuddin said voters could eventually regard such appeals as recurring election slogans that fail to produce lasting outcomes.
Tawfik added that voters are increasingly prioritising issues such as the cost of living, employment opportunities, governance and integrity rather than relying solely on identity-based political messaging.
He said Malay unity remains relevant as a political narrative, but its ability to serve as a straightforward electoral formula is no longer as strong as it was a decade ago.
