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PAS-Umno cooperation likely to expand following PN dissolution

PAS spiritual leader Hashim Jasmin says the cancellation of Perikatan Nasional opens greater opportunities for collaboration between PAS and Umno. The move is expected to impact Bersatu most significantly, as the party has relied heavily on PAS's electoral strength within the coalition.

LSN Malaysia · 22 October 2026

PAS-Umno cooperation likely to expand following PN dissolution

The dissolution of Perikatan Nasional (PN) is expected to create fresh avenues for deepening ties between PAS and Umno, according to PAS spiritual leader Hashim Jasmin. Speaking on the political realignment, Jasmin suggested that the formal end of the coalition framework removes constraints that had previously limited cooperation between the two Islamic-leaning parties. PAS and Umno have historically maintained close ideological alignment on matters of Islamic governance and Malay-Muslim interests, though they have competed for similar voter bases in recent electoral cycles. The dissolution potentially allows both parties to pursue joint strategies more freely in coming political developments. Bersatu is widely regarded as the primary casualty of PN's dissolution, having benefited substantially from the coalition structure despite entering it as a relative newcomer. Party leaders have acknowledged that Bersatu's political viability within the broader coalition landscape has been contingent on leveraging PAS's organisational reach and electoral machinery. With PN's formal dissolution, political analysts suggest that Bersatu faces difficult choices regarding future alliances and its role in Malaysian politics. The development marks a significant shift in the country's political architecture, potentially reshaping alignments ahead of future elections and legislative sessions.