PETALING JAYA: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s resignation as Perikatan Nasional’s chairman shifts the coalition’s internal balance to PAS, which may alienate non-Malay voters in the next general election.
Political analysts say the resignations of Perikatan’s secretary-general and four other state chairmen was expected as they were likely to be booted out anyway by the new leader.
Bersatu president Muhyiddin resigned as Perikatan chairman, along with Datuk Seri Azmin Ali (secretary-general and Selangor chairman), Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu (Perak), Mohamad Hanifah Abu Bakar (Negri Sembilan), Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal (Johor) and Jaziri Alkaf Abdillah Suffian (Sarawak), all effective tomorrow.
Muhyiddin’s departure might actually consolidate Perikatan, said political scientist Prof Wong Chin Huat of Sunway University.
He said this was because Muhyiddin has acceded to calls from PAS for him to resign after the Perlis mentri besar imbroglio.
Eight state assemblymen from Bersatu and PAS had retracted support for the then mentri besar, Mohd Shukri Ramli of PAS, who was replaced by Bersatu’s Abu Bakar Hamzah.
ALSO READ: Muhyiddin, five state chiefs quit coalition top posts
“Muhyiddin’s departure might consolidate Perikatan, with a stronger PAS and Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin’s faction in Bersatu.
“That said, PAS still needs Bersatu to present a more inclusive image. They stand the best chance against Umno and Pakatan Harapan only as a united front.
“PAS’ decision to boycott the new Perlis mentri besar by not joining his exco lineup suggests that local tensions may not subside even after Muhyiddin’s exit,” said Wong.
He said the other resignations would keep Perikatan intact.
“If they stay on, Perikatan would be more divided and Muhyiddin would be further humiliated.
“Azmin had to resign because his secretary-general post is a political appointment by the chairman,” said Wong.
Universiti Sains Malaysia’s political expert Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian also said the exit of Muhyiddin, who was a unifying figure, and Azmin shifts the internal balance of power towards PAS.
“Perikatan is moving towards a PAS-led configuration. Bersatu is likely to be the biggest loser.
“It risks losing relevance within Perikatan and becoming a junior partner rather than an equal one.”
However, he felt Perikatan would likely remain strong among Malay voters, especially in rural and conservative seats.
“Still, its ability to expand beyond that base looks limited. It will be competitive in Malay-majority seats but less effective as a nationwide alternative government,” said Sivamurugan.
He also pointed out that the loose Muafakat Nasional cooperation between Umno and PAS may now take a backseat.
“Muafakat is likely to remain on the backseat. PAS’ immediate priority would be to consolidate Perikatan as its main vehicle, not to reopen a parallel alliance with Umno.
“However, Muafakat may still function as a tactical or informal channel at grassroots level.”
Calls to revive Muafakat have been louder since the Perlis MB-saga, as PAS leaders openly accused Bersatu of betrayal and mooted the idea of PAS-Umno co-operation.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia political analyst Dr Mazlan Ali said if PAS proposes a candidate for the Perikatan top post, it may do so with support from Bersatu leaders who are not in Muhyiddin’s team.
“Those who resigned have always openly supported Muhyiddin. Those with Bersatu deputy president Hamzah have been more friendly with PAS.
“If Hamzah – who is Opposition Leader in Dewan Rakyat – or PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang are proposed as the ones to succeed Muhyiddin, those who supported Muhyiddin will be sidelined.
“If PAS chairs Perikatan, Bersatu may also lose some seats which may be given to the Islamist party in the next general election,” said Mazlan.
