KUALA LUMPUR: Bersatu now faces an urgent need to clarify its political identity, particularly its relationship with Pas, as the party navigates internal changes and prepares for upcoming elections, analysts have warned.
They believe that while the resignation of several Bersatu leaders from Perikatan Nasional (PN) marks a significant political development and a strategic turning point for the party ahead of the next state and general elections, it has also underscored the urgency for Bersatu to redefine its political direction.
Universiti Malaya socio-political analyst Datuk Professor Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said Bersatu must decide whether to remain a party dependent on alliances with Pas and figures such as Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, or move towards a more institutional approach based on collective leadership and policy-driven politics.
He said that ahead of the state and general elections, Bersatu may face a major challenge in restoring voter confidence, particularly among moderate Malay voters and the younger electorate, who are increasingly critical of politics driven by internal conflict and power struggles.
“Failing to define this identity could weaken Bersatu’s competitiveness both within PN and in the broader national political discourse.
“In terms of political relationships, this development could also alter coalition dynamics and seat negotiations, especially within PN.
“Bersatu may need to reassess its position vis-à-vis Pas and other allies, whether as an equal partner or as a party that must restructure its influence to avoid being perceived as a junior partner,” he told the New Straits Times.
Earlier today, several Bersatu leaders announced their resignation from PN, including party chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, Perak chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, Negri Sembilan chairman Hanifah Abu Baker, and Johor chairman Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal, amid rising tensions between Bersatu and Pas.
Tensions between the two parties intensified following the Perlis political crisis, which saw a Bersatu assemblyman appointed as the menteri besar post.
This came after several assemblymen withdrew their support for former menteri besar Mohd Shukri Ramli of Pas.
Awang Azman said the developments signified the end of a leadership phase in Bersatu that relied heavily on dominant personalities and an elitist political approach.
He said this could open the door to internal restructuring, including changes to leadership, ideological direction, and the party’s engagement with grassroots members and new voters.
“These resignations are not merely a matter of individual decisions. They are a clear signal that Bersatu stands at a critical crossroads.
“Whether the party can achieve genuine strategic and political renewal, or remain trapped in a cycle of leadership crises and coalition dependency, will determine its relevance in Malaysia’s post-election political landscape,” he said.
Meanwhile, IIUM political analyst and ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute fellow Associate Professor Dr Syaza Shukri said Bersatu would struggle to contest elections independently without Pas, and that its prospects would be limited.
She said this was due to the party’s weaknesses in terms of grassroots support and organisational machinery.
“If it goes alone, it would have to compete with Pas and Umno for Malay support, and I do not think it has the capacity to do so.
“It is more about coalition pressure and signalling to Pas that either you are with us or not.
“But without Pas, Bersatu’s chances, even with Gerakan and possibly MCA and MIC, would remain limited,” she said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
