SHAH ALAM - The fallout from Pas' decision to end its cooperation with Bersatu has triggered debate over Bersatu's next move, with some leaders forecasting an exodus of grassroots support and others arguing it presents an opportunity for political repositioning.
Former Bersatu Associate Wing chief Dr Chong Fat Full said the split could have far-reaching implications for the opposition bloc, particularly for Bersatu, which may face greater political challenges than PAS in the aftermath of the separation.
He noted that both parties had, over the years, maintained a largely complementary and mutually beneficial relationship within the broader opposition framework.
"Pas and Bersatu maintained a largely complementary and synergistic political partnership, with both parties benefiting from their cooperation within the broader opposition framework.
"Any strain or breakdown in this relationship would likely have implications for both parties. However, Bersatu may find itself in a more challenging position politically, while PAS is likely to continue enjoying support from leaders and grassroots figures aligned with former opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin," he told Sinar Daily.
Chong warned that the development could trigger a realignment within Bersatu, particularly among members who have remained neutral amid ongoing internal dynamics.
"Such developments could potentially lead to a realignment within Bersatu, with some members who have remained on the sidelines choosing to gravitate towards the Reset Team.
"This could pose significant challenges to Bersatu's organisational stability and long-term sustainability," he said.
The comments came after Pas announced the termination of its political cooperation with Bersatu following a special meeting of the party's Central Working Committee.
In a statement yesterday, Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang said the committee had endorsed a decision made by the Syura Council on June 2 concerning policy, religious considerations and public interest aspects of Pas' political cooperation, based on the principle of Muslim unity.
He said the meeting also reviewed the current position and direction of Pas-Bersatu ties through reports, studies and assessments of the current political landscape.
While some see the split as a setback for Bersatu, Bersatu Supreme Council member Dr Afif Bahardin viewed it as an opportunity for the party to redefine its political positioning and broaden its appeal.
"This is a chance for Bersatu to explore cooperation with other parties, especially those that can represent all Malaysians.
"All this while, Bersatu had to carry the burden of Pas' reputation, particularly among urban and multiracial communities," he said.
Afif argued that Bersatu possesses leaders who are seen as more moderate and inclusive, qualities that could help the party attract wider support beyond its traditional base.
"I believe moderate Malays and Malaysians as a whole are more comfortable with Bersatu leaders such as Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali and Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin.
"Their leadership styles are more inclusive, moderate and pragmatic. They are known to be good administrators and uphold standards of integrity," he added.
In contrast, former Bersatu Youth chief and Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad believes the split could severely weaken Bersatu.
"Bersatu is finished. Their grassroots will migrate to Hamzah's new party. They need to find a new anchor, most probably Pakatan Harapan," he said.
Chong also cautioned that any attempt by Bersatu to capitalise on the split by appealing more aggressively to non-Malay voters would require careful navigation.
"While distancing itself from Pas may allow Bersatu to attract greater support from non-Malay voters, the party would need to strike a delicate balance.
"A more overt shift towards accommodating non-Malay interests could risk alienating segments of its traditional Malay support base.
"The challenge is for Bersatu to position itself as an inclusive, multi-ethnic party without undermining the confidence of its core supporters," he said.
The Pas-Bersatu split comes amid growing speculation over Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin's political plans and reports surrounding the emergence of the Reset movement, which some observers believe could become a rallying point for dissatisfied Bersatu members.
With one of the opposition's most significant political partnerships now officially severed, attention is expected to focus on whether Bersatu can reinvent itself through new alliances and a broader political appeal or whether it will face further fragmentation in the lead-up to the next general election.