The formal end of the PAS-Bersatu partnership reshapes opposition battle lines ahead of the Negeri Sembilan and Johor state elections, with both parties now potentially fielding competing candidates in Malay-majority constituencies.
PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang announced the decision on June 9, following a special meeting of the party's Central Work Committee held the previous evening, as reported by Malay Mail and Bernama. The move formalises an earlier directive by the PAS Syura Council, the party's highest religious advisory body, which ruled on June 2 that cooperation should be terminated.
"The decision was made after considering reports, studies, and current assessments of the relationship between the two parties," Hadi said. He added that the action endorsed the Syura Council's ruling based on policy, legal, and public-interest considerations related to Muslim unity.
PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari said the decision was not driven by sentiment or short-term political calculations, but by a broader assessment of whether the Bersatu alliance could deliver on the goals of ummah unity and political stability. Fadhli pointed to specific developments within Bersatu that he said had undermined cooperation, including Bersatu's stance at the Perikatan Nasional Supreme Council meeting opposing the inclusion of smaller parties.
The split has direct implications for electoral dynamics in both states. In Negeri Sembilan, where the state government is held by Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan, Perikatan Nasional had planned to contest as a unified opposition bloc. With PAS and Bersatu now potentially running separate candidates, the ruling coalition may benefit from a divided opposition vote. In Johor, where BN holds a majority, the fragmentation could similarly split the opposition, though PAS's independent appeal among Malay-Muslim voters may draw support from both Bersatu and BN.
The Election Commission has yet to announce nomination and polling dates for the state elections following the dissolution of both assemblies. -- Sources: Malay Mail, Bernama
