SHAH ALAM – The removal of two senior Bersatu leaders from Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) top leadership appears to be part of a broader strategy by Pas to gradually edge Bersatu out of the coalition without formally expelling it, according to political analysts.
The latest restructuring saw Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali and Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin dropped from key PN positions, further fuelling speculation over strained ties between Pas and Bersatu ahead of the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections.
Political analyst Professor James Chin said Pas is unlikely to pursue a direct expulsion of Bersatu, as such a move would require consensus within the coalition.
“The strategy is simple. Pas is trying to force Bersatu out of Perikatan Nasional. To force a party has to be unanimous. Obviously, Bersatu does not want to leave. So the only way is to pressure them into leaving PN themselves,” he told Sinar Daily.
Chin added that any internal vote within PN would likely favour Pas due to its numerical dominance.
“A vote is useless because Pas will have the numbers. Pas has more than 40 MPs, so there is no way Bersatu or others can win,” he said.
He said Pas appears to be seeking greater control of PN and may eventually contest future state elections without Bersatu.
“Pas wants Bersatu to resign so they can run the Johor, Negeri Sembilan or maybe Melaka state elections without them. They think Bersatu is a drag on PN and want the whole thing handed over to Pas,” he said.
The restructuring saw Azmin removed as PN deputy secretary-general, while Radzi was dropped as PN election director — one of the coalition’s most strategic roles ahead of upcoming state polls.
Both leaders have long been associated with Bersatu. Radzi joined the party in 2020 after leaving Umno and previously served as Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs during the Pakatan Harapan administration.
Azmin also joined Bersatu in 2020 after leaving PKR, following the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government.
Meanwhile, O2 Research head Anis Anwar Suhaimi said the restructuring should be viewed primarily through the lens of election preparation and coalition management.
“Positions such as the election director are strategic posts for Perikatan Nasional, especially with the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections approaching,” he said.
Anis noted that Bersatu’s intention to use the PN logo while potentially contesting against Pas in certain seats raised concerns over election coordination. “In a situation where Bersatu and PAS have already decided to end their political cooperation, having the election director’s position held by Bersatu could place PN in a difficult operational deadlock.
“With limited time before the state elections, PN cannot afford to move with a fragmented election command,” he said.
He added that the move reflects PAS’s efforts to take firmer control of PN’s leadership structure.
“From the Perlis crisis, the removal of several Bersatu representatives, and now the approaching state elections, these developments show two things.
“First, Bersatu’s political space within PN has narrowed. Second, its bargaining power has weakened. This has encouraged Pas to take firmer control of PN’s leadership structure,” he said.
Anis further described the restructuring as more than an administrative reshuffle.
“This is not merely an administrative exercise. It is part of Pas’s attempt to ensure PN remains functional, but increasingly under a Pas-centred command structure,” he said.