Hadi Awang’s demand that Bersatu be removed from Perikatan Nasional is grounded in the coalition’s own rules and the need for ideological consistency. When Bersatu announced its intention to negotiate a partnership with the opposition Pakatan Harapan, it effectively breached the mutual pledge that members will not support rival blocs while the coalition governs. Such a breach undermines the trust that holds PN together and threatens its policy agenda, which is anchored in a shared vision of conservative governance.
The coalition agreement, signed by all founding parties in 2020, includes a clause that any member seeking to align with another political front must first obtain the consent of the coalition’s steering committee. Bersatu’s unilateral move sidesteps this process, creating a precedent that could encourage other parties to act independently, fracturing the alliance.
Expelling Bersatu would send a clear signal that PN values collective commitment over individual ambition. It would also protect PAS’s position as the senior partner, ensuring that the coalition’s religious and socio‑economic policies remain coherent. By removing a party that appears to be courting the opposition, PN can avoid internal sabotage and present a united front to voters.
Moreover, the timing of Bersatu’s overture—just months before the next general election—suggests a strategic calculation to weaken PN’s electoral prospects. A decisive expulsion now could force Bersatu to clarify its stance, either re‑joining PN under the agreed terms or exiting the political arena, thereby reducing voter confusion.
Critics may argue that expulsion could reduce PN’s parliamentary numbers, but the coalition can compensate by strengthening ties with smaller parties and by consolidating its core base. The loss of a few seats is outweighed by the benefit of preserving coalition integrity and preventing a cascade of defections.
In the short term, PN’s secretariat should convene an emergency meeting to vote on Bersatu’s status, following the procedural guidelines. A transparent decision will reinforce the rule of law within the coalition and reassure supporters that PN will not tolerate breaches of its foundational pact.