Pas and Bersatu must prioritise consensus to survive PH-BN pressure - Expert

SHAH ALAM – The risk of a split within Perikatan Nasional (PN) appears increasingly pronounced as ongoing turmoil highlights serious internal communication failures between the coalition's component parties.

Universiti Utara Malaysia political analyst Muhammad Afifi Abdul Razak stated that the situation has indirectly undermined the credibility of the Opposition as an alternative government.

He warned that this decline would persist if public disputes continue and a consensus is not reached.

However, Afifi stated that a split is not inevitable, provided that Pas and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) prioritise consensus and respect the collective decisions made by coalition partners.

“PN needs to return to the negotiating table immediately with a sense of mutual respect.

“They must move away from unilateral proposals or issuing meeting notices that do not involve all parties.

“The coalition must remember that the public looks to them as a strong opposition.

“If they continue to quarrel among themselves, not only will PN’s credibility be damaged, but their prospects in the next General Election will also be severely threatened,” he told Sinar on Thursday.

Afifi observed that the current friction has left PN in a state of uncertainty, exacerbated by open disputes involving the coalition’s leadership and organisational structure.

“As warned by Pas Deputy President Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim, this situation effectively opens the door for Pakatan Harapan–Barisan Nasional to divide PN,” he added.