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Zahid Hamidah's public rebuke of Sanusi Nor's campaigning activities reflects Barisan Nasional's lingering apprehension about a deeper merger with Perikatan Nasional, according to political observer Shahril.
Pakatan Harapan's youth wing has escalated pressure on Barisan Nasional by demanding the resignation of all BN ministers and deputy ministers from cabinet, citing their coalition's cooperation with Perikatan Nasional in Johor and Negri Sembilan state elections.
A political analyst from IIUM has recommended that Bersatu withdraw from Perikatan Nasional, advising the party to bring Gerakan and MIPP out together. The move would substantially alter the coalition's ethnic composition.
PKR secretary-general Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh has attributed a wave of party departures to member dissatisfaction over unfulfilled position allocations. Around 200 supporters recently switched to MIC.
Perikatan Nasional leader Muhyiddin Yassin expressed confidence the coalition can form the next state government, citing support from allies outside the bloc including the Muda party.
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PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang has emphasised that his party's break with Bersatu represents a substantive political division rather than an electoral ploy, even as both parties contest under the Perikatan Nasional umbrella in certain states.
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Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi, a senior Umno Supreme Council member, has announced his departure from the party, marking another significant defection ahead of the Johor state election.
Pasir Gudang Amanah has announced plans to boycott Pakatan Harapan's candidate Sharon Teo for the Permas state seat in Johor's 16th election, criticizing her as a parachute candidate imposed without local consultation.
Perikatan Nasional's election director says the coalition has resolved all 34 overlapping seat claims between component parties, with Bersatu positioned to contest the largest number of seats in the upcoming Johor state election.
PKR vice-president Zaliha Mustafa has expressed confusion over Johor BN chairman Onn Hafiz Ghazi's demand that Pakatan Harapan identify a poster boy for state elections, given no assurance the person would become menteri besar.
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The deteriorating relationship between PAS and Bersatu has disrupted Malaysia's consolidated Malay-Muslim voting bloc, forcing analysts to reassess the political landscape and UMNO's positioning as a potential unifier.
PAS has refuted suggestions it orchestrated Bersatu's departure from Perikatan Nasional, asserting the Islamic party never sought to expel its coalition partner despite visible friction.
Transport Minister Loke Chua Tian Chang and Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz preserved outward cordiality during their first encounter following a public disagreement, though underlying tensions surfaced through measured remarks.
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Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has signalled the party's readiness to engage in intense political competition with PAS following an internal split, marking a significant escalation in intra-coalition tensions.
PAS and Bersatu are locked in a struggle for dominance within Perikatan Nasional, with political observers noting the coalition's electoral appeal outweighs the individual party brands.