Muhyiddin's resignation exposes deep rifts within Perikatan Nasional - Analysts

SHAH ALAM – Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s resignation as Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman has laid bare deep structural tensions within the coalition, with analysts pointing to the Perlis political crisis as the tipping point that accelerated long-simmering rifts between Bersatu and Pas.

The announcement on the morning of Dec 30, effective Jan 1, 2026, prompted a wave of resignations across the coalition.

Former Johor menteri besar Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal, former Perak menteri besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu and Negeri Sembilan PN chairman Mohamad Hanifah Abu Baker confirmed they would step down in line with Muhyiddin.

At the central level, Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali also relinquished his role as PN secretary-general, signalling a wider leadership reshuffle.

Political analyst Dr Oh Ei Sun said Muhyiddin’s decision appeared influenced by a combination of internal party pressure and inter-party rivalry.

“Ironically, his resignation might actually benefit PN if a more presentable and proactive chairman is selected, giving the coalition a refreshed outlook,” he said.

From the outset, Oh said Bersatu was initially “nothing more than a political vehicle” for former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and later shifted under Muhyiddin’s leadership.

However, he said after the last general election, Bersatu’s weaker performance compared with Pas prompted internal unrest, putting pressure on Muhyiddin’s position.

Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia political analyst Associate Professor Dr Mazlan Ali added that Muhyiddin’s resignation was likely influenced by mounting pressure to hand over leadership to Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin.

“Bersatu has split and the sacking of one MP and the suspension of another worsened the situation.

“The political conflict in Perlis is considered the turning point for this resignation,” he told Sinar Daily.

Mazlan said the move reflected both a loss of trust in Muhyiddin among Pas and rejection from nearly half of Bersatu members.

“After his resignation, Pas and Bersatu will choose new leadership and there will definitely be different approaches and strategies in the upcoming 16th general election,” he added.