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BN cannot replicate Bersatu's role in Selangor push, analyst warns

Political analyst Azmi Hassan says Barisan Nasional lacks the grassroots strength to fill the void left by Bersatu's departure from the Perikatan Nasional coalition, potentially complicating PAS's electoral prospects in the crucial state.

LSN Malaysia · 21 August 2026

BN cannot replicate Bersatu's role in Selangor push, analyst warns

A political analyst has cast doubt on Barisan Nasional's ability to strengthen Perikatan Nasional's position in Selangor, citing the coalition partner's limited ground game compared to Bersatu.

Azmi Hassan argued that BN cannot adequately replace Bersatu's contribution to PN's electoral performance in the previous state election, when the Islamist party made significant inroads in the pivotal state.

Bersatu's departure from the PN coalition has left a notable gap in the alliance's mobilisation capacity, particularly in key constituencies where the party had cultivated support networks, the analyst suggested.

Selangor remains a crucial battleground in Malaysian politics, and the composition and strength of opposition coalitions significantly impacts electoral outcomes in the state. The shift in PN's coalition partnership raises questions about the alliance's competitive positioning ahead of potential state-level contests.

The analyst's assessment underscores ongoing coalition dynamics within Malaysia's opposition movement and the strategic challenges facing parties seeking to expand their electoral base in competitive states.