PETALING JAYA - The fallout from PAS's decision to sever ties with Bersatu continued to escalate today, with PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari declaring that the two parties "can no longer remain under the same umbrella" within Perikatan Nasional, while Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin expressed deep regret over the split.
The widening rift has significant implications for the upcoming Negeri Sembilan and Johor state elections, as both parties must now determine how Perikatan Nasional will field candidates without its two largest component parties working together.
In a Facebook post, Fadhli - who is also Pasir Mas MP - framed the decision as a painful but necessary step.
"Following yesterday's decision, it is clear that PAS and Bersatu can no longer remain under the same umbrella," he said, adding that the positions of both parties in PN would be managed through the coalition's constitution and appropriate channels.
"This is not a cause for celebration; it is a bitter pill that must be swallowed for the greater good," Fadhli said, describing the split as the result of "a careful assessment of whether the cooperation was capable of achieving broader objectives, namely the unity of the ummah and the country's political stability."
PAS central committee member Shahidan Kassim clarified that the Islamic party would remain a component member of PN for now, despite ending its bilateral cooperation with Bersatu.
PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang has announced that PAS intends to form a new political pact to contest the upcoming state elections and the next general election, with the stated goal of "uniting the ummah."
In a separate statement, Muhyiddin said Bersatu was "disappointed" that its relationship with PAS, built on mutual understanding and trust, had been discontinued.
"The decision to end political cooperation and sever ties with Bersatu is PAS's own decision," Muhyiddin said. "As a founding member of Perikatan Nasional, Bersatu will remain committed to the coalition and its core struggle."
The Bersatu president urged party members and supporters to remain focused on strengthening PN despite the development.
The split was triggered by several issues Hadi raised in a May 22 press conference, including the attempted removal of the Perlis menteri besar, alleged Bersatu interference in appointments in Kedah and Kelantan, and Bersatu's opposition to admitting new Malay-Muslim parties into PN.
Muhyiddin subsequently sent a detailed rebuttal letter to PAS leaders addressing Hadi's allegations.
Perikatan Nasional, jointly formed by Bersatu and PAS in 2020, also comprises Gerakan and the Malaysian Indian People's Party. It is currently led by PAS vice-president Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar.
With nomination dates for the Negeri Sembilan and Johor state elections yet to be announced by the Election Commission, the practical impact of the split on candidate selection, seat allocation, and the use of party logos remains uncertain.
Sources: Free Malaysia Today
