An analyst believes PAS is attempting to preserve the stability of Perikatan Nasional by refusing to admit new component parties, amid concerns that any party linked to Hamzah Zainudin could destabilise the coalition.
Syaza Shukri of the International Islamic University Malaysia said PN’s decision to form electoral pacts with external parties rather than absorb them as components was aimed at balancing relations between Bersatu and Hamzah.
She said the approach would allow PN, currently led by PAS vice-president Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, to negotiate electoral cooperation with political parties, including entities linked to Hamzah.
Stability seen as key priority
“PN wants to maintain the coalition’s stability at this time, and that hinges heavily on PAS and Bersatu’s relationship,” she told FMT.
“As an important party in PN, Bersatu would surely have veto powers and would not want Hamzah to make any return to PN. If that happens, his sacking would be rendered meaningless,” she added.
Syaza said Bersatu would also face pressure to accept any PN electoral pact involving Hamzah’s faction, as rejecting cooperation could lead to multi-cornered fights and divided support during elections.
Several parties have applied to become PN components, including Pejuang, led by Mukhriz Mahathir, Putra led by Ibrahim Ali, and Berjasa, which rumours suggest could be taken over by Hamzah.
Electoral pacts preferred over expansion
On Saturday, Samsuri said PN had agreed to form electoral pacts with parties sharing common interests with the coalition or those seeking to become strategic partners without formally joining PN.
Berita Harian also reported that Bersatu representatives in the PN Supreme Council objected to admitting new component parties over concerns that Hamzah might eventually join one of the applicant parties.
PN currently comprises PAS, Bersatu, Gerakan and the Malaysian Indian People’s Party.
Concerns over Hamzah remain
Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said the current formula might preserve stability in the short term, but it could also limit PN’s ability to expand and strengthen the coalition through new component parties.
Azmi said Bersatu’s resistance towards admitting new PN members showed that Hamzah and his faction remained a significant concern for party president Muhyiddin Yassin and Bersatu’s leadership.
Hamzah was dismissed from Bersatu in February during a heated leadership struggle with Muhyiddin.
