Leaving PN? Bersatu keeping all options open as GE16 approaches, says Youth Information Chief

SHAH ALAM — As speculation grows over Bersatu’s future within Perikatan Nasional (PN), the party has indicated that all political options remain open ahead of the 16th General Election (GE16).

These include the possibility of forming new alliances, pursuing mergers or exploring broader opposition cooperation, while still recognising coalition politics as the most practical route to maintaining electoral relevance.

Bersatu Youth information chief Harris Idaham Rashid said that, amid questions surrounding the coalition’s future following recent political developments, the party is keeping its options open should it eventually leave PN.

He added that Bersatu is not confining itself to any single political direction and will continue to evaluate potential opportunities as the political landscape evolves towards GE16.

“If Bersatu officially leaves Perikatan Nasional (PN), all options remain open ahead of GE16. The party could explore mergers, work towards uniting with other like-minded political parties or strengthen cooperation through initiatives such as Ikatan Prihatin Rakyat (IPR).

“Given the evolving political landscape, its future direction will depend on the opportunities and alliances available closer to the election,” he said in an interview with Sinar Daily.

Bersatu Youth information chief Harris Idaham Rashid. File photo

His remarks come amid growing debate over the future shape of the opposition bloc and the implications of any potential restructuring involving PN’s component parties.

Reflecting on Bersatu’s performance in the 15th General Election (GE15), Harris argued that the coalition’s success was primarily driven by the collective strength of PN rather than any individual party operating within it.

“In assessing GE15, the victories achieved were largely attributed to the overall value proposition offered by PN rather than the strength of any individual component party.

“The coalition’s branding, combined machinery and collective efforts were seen as the main drivers of success. Support was not viewed as being directed solely towards Bersatu, Pas or any single party, but rather towards what PN represented as a coalition,” he emphasised.

The comments suggest Bersatu acknowledges the importance of coalition-based politics in Malaysia’s increasingly fragmented electoral landscape, where political parties often rely on broader alliances to maximise support and avoid vote splitting.

At the same time, Harris indicated that it remains too early to define what Bersatu’s election campaign narrative would look like if the party were to contest outside PN.

“At this stage, it is still too early to determine what Bersatu’s core message would be if it contests outside PN.

“Much will depend on the political environment leading up to GE16, including which coalitions are competing and the banner under which Bersatu eventually contests.

“Key tenets like good governance and strong accountability always remain central to the party’s political ideology regardless of the platform it chooses,” he said.

The emphasis on governance and accountability reflects themes that have long featured in Bersatu’s political messaging, even as the party evaluates its future strategic direction.

Looking ahead, Harris stressed that coalition politics remains the most viable route for parties seeking meaningful influence within Malaysia’s political system.

“Looking ahead, being part of a coalition is viewed as the more practical approach for any party seeking meaningful influence and impact in the current political environment.

“At the same time, Bersatu has already begun strengthening its grassroots election machinery and will continue improving its organisational capabilities at all levels.

“The focus remains on enhancing the party’s overall strength and increasing its appeal as it prepares for future electoral challenges,” he said.

For now, the party appears focused on building its electoral machinery while keeping its political options open in an increasingly fluid political environment.