PETALING JAYA: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s decision to resign as Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman has sparked intense speculation over the coalition’s future leadership and the challenges ahead.
The departures of other top leaders, including PN secretary-general Datuk Seri Azmin Ali and Johor PN chief Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal, highlight the scale of the political shake-up.
Analysts agree that Muhyiddin’s exit is closely tied to the turmoil in Perlis, where tensions between PN partners, particularly PAS and Bersatu, came to a head.
Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research senior fellow Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said he does not believe PN’s performance in Sabah played a role and the Perlis fiasco was likely the final straw.
“With PAS threatening to pull out of PN and revive Muafakat Nasional without Bersatu after the Perlis fiasco, I believe this is the main reason behind Tan Sri Muhyiddin’s exit.”
Azmi said the challenge for PN now is finding a successor capable of filling Muhyiddin’s shoes.
“Who from PAS’s leadership can competently replace Tan Sri Muhyiddin?
“In terms of his resources and strategic approach, Muhyiddin has elevated PN at the national level, making it difficult for any previous leader to match his performance. Yet, he appears willing to step aside to protect both PN and Bersatu.
“If Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin were to take over, it’s all back to square one. It could signal that PAS lacks capable national-level leadership, which might create more turmoil.
“This would not just apply to Hamzah but to any PAS leader, as Perikatan Nasional isn’t solely about Bersatu and PAS – other parties are also involved.
“Given PAS’s extreme views, allies of PN would likely approach policies and strategies more cautiously. Likewise, supporters, especially non-Malay voters, would be more careful in their support.”
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia political analyst Assoc Prof Dr Mazlan Ali said the Perlis conflict was the tipping point behind Muhyiddin’s resignation.
“I think Muhyiddin’s resignation has something to do with pressure within the party (for him) to step down and make way for Hamzah.
“Bersatu has split, and the sacking of one MP and the suspension of another has made things worse.”
Mazlan said PN could reorganise under new leadership despite appearing weak.
“I think Muhyiddin’s resignation will not have too much of an impact on PN’s stability. This is because PAS as a main partner has shown a loss of trust in him and almost half of Bersatu members and leadership have also rejected him.
“After his resignation, I believe PAS and Bersatu will choose a new leadership, and there will definitely be different approaches and strategies in the upcoming 16th general election.”
He added that the episode exposes PN’s fragility.
“This gives a picture of a weak and divided PN. This would certainly benefit other political coalitions such as BN or PH.”
Mazlan also weighed in on the prospects of PAS taking over PN, stressing that the coalition still leans heavily on Bersatu, especially for leadership roles.
“Although PAS has stated that its leaders are qualified to lead PN, I believe Hamzah will be appointed as the new PN chairman.
“PAS is still relying on Bersatu, which has many experienced leaders capable of managing the federal government.
“Everything will run smoothly only if PAS is willing to set aside the Perlis political conflict and cooperate fully with Hamzah’s leadership.”
Both analysts agreed that the coming weeks would be critical for PN to stabilise its leadership.
