UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has signalled that his party is open to rebuilding cooperation with PAS, suggesting that long-standing political rivals can redefine their relationship in the wake of the Perlis political upheaval.
In a statement issued on December 28, 2025, Akmal indicated that political dynamics are not fixed and can evolve with circumstances. He conveyed the view that alliances often shift over time, with friends turning into opponents and vice versa, but stressed that political maturity allows former adversaries to find common ground again. His remarks were widely interpreted as an indirect response to recent developments in Perlis and growing tensions within the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition.
Akmal’s comments came after a statement by PAS Information Chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, which alluded to the idea of allies becoming adversaries without explicitly referring to Perlis or coalition politics. The message nevertheless sparked speculation among observers and party supporters, many of whom linked it to the situation in the northern state and the fragile relationship between PAS and Bersatu.
The Perlis political crisis intensified after Abu Bakar Hamzah, head of the Bersatu Perlis State Leadership Body, was sworn in as the 12th Menteri Besar on December 26, 2025. He replaced Mohd Shukri Ramli of PAS, who stepped down from the post citing health reasons. Prior to the change, eight PN assemblymen — five from Bersatu and three from PAS — submitted statutory declarations withdrawing their support for Mohd Shukri, effectively paving the way for the leadership transition.
The episode has triggered renewed debate over PAS’ political direction and its alliance choices, particularly its continued partnership with Bersatu under PN. Some political observers and grassroots supporters have questioned whether PAS should reassess its coalition strategy, especially given past commitments to work with UMNO under Muafakat Nasional (MN).
Following the crisis, Akmal reiterated his stance that PN should be dissolved and MN revived, a position he has maintained since before the 15th General Election. MN was formalised through a charter signed by UMNO and PAS on September 14, 2019, with the aim of uniting Malay-Muslim political forces. However, the pact lost momentum after PAS chose to align with Bersatu in PN ahead of GE15, a move UMNO leaders have consistently described as a breach of agreed principles.
UMNO has previously maintained that any revival of MN would require PAS to sever ties with Bersatu. Akmal’s latest remarks suggest that, despite past disputes, UMNO is willing to revisit cooperation if conditions allow and mutual trust can be restored.
As political realignments continue to unfold, the Perlis episode may serve as a catalyst for broader recalculations within opposition ranks, potentially reshaping alliances ahead of future national contests.
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