Hadi Awang, president of the Pan‑Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), announced on Thursday that the Malaysian United Indigenous Party (Bersatu) is no longer a member of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition after the party signalled plans to join a new political grouping. He warned that any party that seeks to abandon the coalition “automatically loses its place” in PN, a statement that has sparked an immediate rebuttal from Bersatu’s deputy president, Azmin Ali.
Perikatan Nasional was formed in early 2020 following a parliamentary realignment that toppled the previous government. The coalition originally brought together PAS, Bersatu, the Malaysian Islamic Party (AMANAH) and several smaller parties to command a parliamentary majority. Since then, internal disagreements over policy direction and leadership have periodically surfaced, but the alliance has remained intact.
Hadi’s claim rests on Bersatu’s recent public declaration that it intends to negotiate a partnership with the opposition Pakatan Harapan bloc ahead of the next general election. In a press briefing, Hadi said the move “breaks the trust and the agreement that binds us together” and therefore Bersatu should be expelled without further discussion.
Azmin Ali countered the accusation, insisting that Bersatu remains a full member of PN and that any change in status must follow the coalition’s internal procedures. He warned that unilateral statements could destabilise the government and urged all parties to respect the coalition charter, which requires a consensus decision before a member can be removed.
The dispute raises questions about the durability of PN ahead of the 2027 election cycle. If Bersatu were to leave, the coalition could lose a significant share of parliamentary seats, potentially weakening its ability to pass legislation and maintain confidence in the prime minister’s office. Conversely, forcing Bersatu out could consolidate PAS’s influence but risk alienating moderate voters.
Observers say the next few weeks will be crucial as both sides prepare formal statements for the media and possibly the parliament. The outcome will depend on whether PN’s secretariat convenes a vote, whether legal challenges are filed, and how other coalition partners position themselves amid the growing tension.
Potential Benefits / Supporting Perspective
Supporting Hadi Awang's Call to Expel Bersatu from Perikatan Nasional
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.
Potential Drawbacks / Critical Perspective
Opposing Hadi Awang's Claim that Bersatu Is No Longer Part of Perikatan Nasional
Azmin Ali’s rebuttal to Hadi Awang’s declaration that Bersatu has automatically left Perikatan Nasional underscores the importance of due process and coalition stability. While Bersatu’s leadership has expressed openness to dialogue with Pakatan Harapan, no formal resignation or vote has been recorded within PN’s governing bodies. Declaring the party out of the coalition without a procedural vote risks undermining the legal framework that binds the alliance.
The coalition’s charter explicitly states that removal of a member requires a majority decision by the steering committee, followed by a formal announcement. Hadi’s unilateral statement bypasses this mechanism, creating a constitutional ambiguity that could be exploited by rival factions. Maintaining procedural integrity ensures that any change in membership is transparent, defensible, and less likely to trigger legal challenges.
Beyond legalities, an abrupt expulsion could destabilise the government’s parliamentary majority. Bersatu holds a substantial number of seats that are crucial for passing budgets and confidence motions. Stripping the party of its membership without a negotiated settlement could lead to a loss of votes, forcing the prime minister to seek new allies or risk a vote of no confidence.
The broader political calculus also favours keeping Bersatu within PN, at least temporarily. The party’s voter base includes rural and Malay‑centric constituencies that align with PN’s broader electoral strategy. Forcing Bersatu out could split the Malay vote, benefitting opposition parties and weakening the coalition’s long‑term electoral prospects.
A measured approach would involve convening the PN steering committee to discuss Bersatu’s intentions, allowing the party to either reaffirm its commitment to the coalition or formally withdraw. This process would give all partners a chance to negotiate terms, mitigate fallout, and preserve the coalition’s credibility.
In the coming weeks, the focus should be on a transparent internal review rather than public declarations. By adhering to established procedures, PN can demonstrate respect for democratic norms, maintain its parliamentary strength, and avoid unnecessary political turbulence ahead of the next election cycle.