Analysts dismiss Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) vision of equal partners without a dominant party as overly idealistic and impractical in Malaysia’s cutthroat politics.
Akademi Nusantara’s Azmi Hassan explains coalitions here thrive on one lead party, but PN grapples with dual powerhouses: PAS and Bersatu.
Need for Dominant Leadership
“The best setup has a single dominant party,” Azmi told FMT. “Equal footing sounds noble but won’t survive our political scene.”
He pushes PAS as PN’s anchor, with a robust PAS chairman key to stability.
PN’s snag stemmed from ex-chairman Muhyiddin Yassin of Bersatu, not the lead party. “Top two posts under Bersatu control proves unsustainable long-term,” Azmi said.
Calls for Inclusive Overhaul
Muhyiddin quit as chairman on Jan 1.
PAS central committee member Annuar Musa recently urged revamping PN’s structure for inclusivity, flexibility, and progress.
He pitched an “inclusive model where component leaders stand equal, decisions via consultation and consensus.”
Skepticism Over Equality
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Mazlan Ali calls party equality in PN far-fetched, citing PAS’s rigid ideology.
“The idea clashes with PAS’s deep commitment to its principles,” he said.
Annuar’s pitch might draw middle-class and civil society nods but stays niche.
Mazlan questions Annuar’s PAS fit: “His progressive views don’t mesh with the party’s culture – he’s no typical member.”
About The Author
