Politics · Malaysia Bureau
PAS should retain Bersatu partnership despite potential deregistration
A former Umno leader has argued that PAS would benefit from maintaining its alliance with Bersatu even if the latter faces deregistration, to prevent Umno from gaining excessive dominance in electoral arrangements.
LSN Malaysia ·
Shahril Hamdan, a veteran of Umno's political ranks, contended that PAS should preserve its relationship with Bersatu as a strategic counterbalance if the Islamist party and Umno proceed with an electoral compact. The former federal minister suggested that Bersatu's presence would serve as a moderating force within any electoral pact between PAS and Umno, limiting the larger party's ability to dictate terms. Shahril's remarks come amid speculation about a possible deregistration of Bersatu, which has faced mounting political pressures and internal challenges. His analysis underscores ongoing calculations within Malaysia's fractured political landscape, where smaller parties seek to maintain relevance through strategic positioning rather than outright merger or dissolution. The dynamics between PAS, Umno, and Bersatu remain fluid, with each faction weighing alliance options ahead of potential electoral contests.