Malaysia’s Opposition in Disarray: A Power Struggle That Could Reshape the Political Landscape
Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia’s opposition Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition is facing a deepening crisis as a bitter power struggle between former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and his recently sacked deputy, Hamzah Zainudin, threatens to fracture the alliance. The situation has escalated rapidly, with Hamzah declaring himself Muhyiddin’s “No. 1 enemy” and seeking support from key coalition partner Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS).
The Sacking and Its Aftermath
The conflict came to a head on February 13th with Hamzah Zainudin’s expulsion from Bersatu, the party Muhyiddin leads. The disciplinary action followed allegations of breaching the party’s constitution, though the specific offense remains undisclosed. Hamzah, though, claims significant support within Bersatu, asserting the backing of 19 of the party’s 25 MPs and 118 of its 168 division chiefs. This claim underscores the depth of the division within the party.
PAS Holds the Key
With both leaders vying for control, PAS emerges as a crucial kingmaker. As Malaysia’s largest party, its support will be decisive in determining the future direction of PN. PAS leaders, including President Hadi Awang, have met with Hamzah shortly after his expulsion, signaling a potential willingness to consider alternatives to Muhyiddin’s leadership. However, PAS has yet to officially endorse either faction.
Analysts suggest PAS needs a moderate Malay partner to realistically challenge the current government, especially in key battleground states like Johor, Perak, Pahang, and Selangor. The Islamist party’s appeal remains limited beyond its traditional strongholds, making a broad coalition essential for electoral success.
A New Platform for ‘Team Hamzah’?
Hamzah’s supporters are actively exploring options for a new political platform, potentially involving taking over existing minor parties like Berjasa or Kita, and forging a closer alliance with PAS. Wan Saiful Wan Jan, a former Bersatu supreme councillor aligned with Hamzah, stated that a “new national consensus” is needed to bring political stability to Malaysia.
The Upcoming PN Leadership Meeting
A pivotal moment is approaching with a much-delayed PN leadership meeting scheduled for February 22nd. This meeting will determine Muhyiddin’s replacement as coalition chairman, a position he resigned from on January 1st under pressure from PAS. There is speculation that Hadi Awang of PAS will be nominated for the role, potentially paving the way for Hamzah’s faction to regain influence within the coalition.
Anwar Ibrahim Remains Silent
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has so far declined to comment on the internal turmoil within the opposition, stating simply, “Let them fight first.” This hands-off approach allows the opposition to resolve its issues internally without direct government intervention.
The Broader Context: A Crisis Brewing for Months
The current crisis is not sudden. Tensions have been building since PAS’s annual congress in September 2025, where calls for a change in PN’s leadership began to surface. The situation escalated after PAS assemblymen withdrew support for their own chief minister in Perlis, leading to a Bersatu assemblyman becoming Menteri Besar in December 2025 – a move seen as a betrayal by Muhyiddin.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the main cause of the conflict within Perikatan Nasional? The conflict stems from a power struggle between Muhyiddin Yassin and Hamzah Zainudin over the leadership of Bersatu and the PN coalition.
- What role is PAS playing in this crisis? PAS is acting as a kingmaker, with its support likely to determine which faction controls the PN coalition.
- What is Hamzah Zainudin’s next move? Hamzah and his supporters are exploring the possibility of forming a new political platform and seeking a closer alliance with PAS.
- When is the crucial PN leadership meeting? The meeting is scheduled for February 22nd.
Pro Tip: Keep a close watch on PAS’s actions in the coming days. Their decision will be a major indicator of the future direction of the Malaysian opposition.
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