How Ahmad Samsuri cleared out Bersatu to rule the Opposition
PETALING JAYA: The elevation of Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar as Opposition Leader ahead of the next general election is not merely a parliamentary reshuffle but a clear sign of PAS consolidating its dominance over Perikatan Nasional (PN) allies, according to a political analyst.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Associate Professor Dr Mazlan Ali said the appointment of the Terengganu menteri besar marks PAS’ growing dominance in PN, particularly after the party secured the coalition chairmanship from Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
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“I think the appointment of Samsuri to replace (Datuk Seri) Hamzah Zainudin is a strategic move by PAS to strengthen its dominance in PN.
“This strategic move by PAS was completed shortly after PAS successfully took over the position of PN chairman from Muhyiddin.
“This means that all important decisions and the direction of PN are now determined by PAS,” he said.
Mazlan said the elevation of Samsuri also appeared aimed at projecting a more moderate and professional image of PN, with the Terengganu leader often seen as one of PAS’ more technocratic figures.
“In addition, the appointment of Samsuri, a figure with a professional background, is a move to portray a moderate face of PN to attract more support, including non-Muslims.”
However, he said PN’s broader ideological direction remained firmly anchored in PAS’ conservative political framework.
“I think that even though Samsuri’s image is quite modest, behind him is a group of conservative political strategists who will ensure PN remains within the Malay-Muslim support base and will not gain support outside that circle.”
Mazlan said Samsuri’s elevation was also part of a longer-term strategy to position him for a more prominent national role.
“With a corporate-style appearance and professional touch, it aims to open up opportunities to attract support from various segments of voters.”
Still, Mazlan said Samsuri’s position as PAS vice-president would continue to shape perceptions, particularly among non-Malay voters.
“Samsuri will still be considered by various racial communities as a figure who is still on the Islamic political line, which is considered by the majority of non-Muslims as intolerant.”
Mazlan also dismissed suggestions that PN was evolving into a credible “government-inwaiting”, pointing instead to internal strains between PAS and Bersatu.
“Now the opposition is weak and there is a serious split between PAS and Bersatu. The Perlis political issue is a turning point in the relationship between the two parties.”
He added that internal turbulence within Bersatu, including the removal of former deputy president Hamzah and other party figures, had further destabilised the coalition.
