Analysts say internal rivalry within Bersatu and shifting PAS influence are behind proposals to restructure Perikatan Nasional’s leadership
PETALING JAYA: Recent developments within Perikatan Nasional (PN) suggest that internal power struggles, particularly within Bersatu, are driving proposals to restructure the coalition’s leadership, according to political analysts.
Analysts said this included talk of abolishing the PN chairman’s post and introducing a new collective leadership mechanism.
University of Malaya senior lecturer and political analyst Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub said the moves cannot be viewed in isolation and are closely linked to behind-the-scenes manoeuvring by individuals surrounding Bersatu president and former PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
“I am of the view that there is a political calculation involving certain individuals very close to Muhyiddin, including advisers who help shape his political strategy.”
“These individuals do not want Muhyiddin to lose power because if he does, they too will lose influence and their political future within Bersatu,” he told theSun.
Mohammad Tawfik said this explains why every possible effort is being made to ensure Muhyiddin remains relevant and powerful within PN, even if it means restructuring the coalition’s top leadership framework.
He said proposals such as abolishing the PN chairman’s post and creating a new position – PN presidential council chairman – could be interpreted as attempts to curb the rise of internal rivals within Bersatu.
“This is essentially about containing internal threats, which I believe are led by (Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri) Hamzah Zainuddin,” he said, adding that the current internal rivalry involves Hamzah and Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.
Mohammad Tawfik said Mohamed Azmin is politically very close to Muhyiddin and that his standing within Bersatu and PN is heavily dependent on Muhyiddin’s continued leadership.
“If Muhyiddin steps down from all positions, then the Azmin camp will effectively be wiped out within Bersatu and PN. Mohamed Azmin’s political ‘lifeline’ is tied to Muhyiddin.”
He added that PAS, PN’s largest and most organised component, appears to be closer to Hamzah, which could further marginalise the Azmin faction should Muhyiddin relinquish power.
“If Muhyiddin no longer holds any position in PN, it will be very difficult for Azmin’s team to go far politically,” he said.
Meanwhile, Pacific Research Centre of Malaysia principal adviser Dr Oh Ei Sun said Muhyiddin may not be ready to hand over power to PAS.
“It would appear that Muhyiddin would prefer some form of collective leadership for PN. PAS, however, seems reluctant to such an arrangement,” Oh said via WhatsApp.
Oh pointed out that the balance of power within PN has shifted significantly, with PAS now in a stronger electoral position compared with Bersatu.
“PAS could easily go it alone, while Bersatu still depends heavily on PAS to canvass votes,” he said,
He also suggested that Muhyiddin’s leadership is being quietly questioned not only by PAS but also within Bersatu itself.
“Certainly, it is high time for him to go. I think both PAS and many within his own party are already looking beyond him,” he added.
