PAS may leave Perikatan Nasional amid serious coalition crisis

Political analysts believe PAS President Abdul Hadi Awang's public pronouncements on internal Perikatan Nasional (PN) matters indicate a severe crisis within the coalition, suggesting that internal communication between PAS and Bersatu may have broken down.

Professor Datuk Dr. Sivamurugan Pandian of Universiti Sains Malaysia noted that such open statements imply other communication methods have become ineffective. "When statements are made openly, other approaches are likely considered unusable for communicating with Bersatu," he told Utusan Malaysia. "This could also be a signal that Perikatan Nasional is in a precarious position, facing conflicts and crises that are difficult to resolve."

Abdul Hadi's recent statements about reviewing PAS's political ties and cooperation with Bersatu before the 16th General Election, including the possibility of parting ways if consensus is not achieved, have fueled speculation. He indicated that all aspects of the relationship within PN are being thoroughly examined based on past election experiences.

Sivamurugan suggested that issues raised by Abdul Hadi concerning Negeri Sembilan, Perlis, and Kedah point to PAS feeling disrespected within PN. The inclusion of the Malaysian Islamic Party (Berjasa) is also seen as a factor influencing Abdul Hadi's stance. "Whether Perikatan Nasional can survive or not, I think it is nearing its end," Sivamurugan stated. "It can only be saved if both sides are willing to compromise and agree on principles. If that cannot be done, perhaps PAS will leave, because PN involves not only PAS and Bersatu, but also Gerakan and MIPP."