In politics, realignments and power shifts are not uncommon. Ambition often collides with loyalty, and history is filled with examples of leaders distancing themselves from allies in pursuit of authority. Within this broader political context, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) stands out not because political manoeuvring is unique to it, but because such manoeuvres have repeatedly defined its trajectory. Over the years, Bersatu’s journey has been marked by internal restructurings, fractured alliances, and controversial changes in political alignment that continue to shape perceptions of the party.
The pivotal moment came in 2020, with the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government following what later became known as the Sheraton Move. Muhyiddin Yassin, then a key leader of Bersatu, emerged as Prime Minister after withdrawing support from Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, one of the party’s founders. This episode fundamentally altered Malaysia’s political landscape. More importantly, it established a perception that internal calculations of power within Bersatu could override prior commitments, including those to coalition partners and sitting governments elected by the public.
It is worth noting that political realignment was not confined to a single individual. Tun Mahathir himself had previously left UMNO, a party he once led, to form Bersatu as an alternative platform. Muhyiddin, on the other hand, co-founded Bersatu after being removed from UMNO. While both moves reflected political strategy rather than ideology alone, the contrast lies in circumstance: one departed from a position of strength, the other from political marginalisation. Together, these episodes underline how Bersatu was born amid political rupture and shaped by leaders accustomed to abrupt shifts in allegiance.
By 2025, similar patterns appeared to resurface at the state level. In Perlis, Bersatu played a decisive role in the removal of a PAS-led Menteri Besar, despite both parties being partners within Perikatan Nasional (PN). Instead of confronting electoral opponents, the conflict unfolded internally, with Bersatu positioning its own candidate for leadership. PAS's Perlis Menteri Besar, blindsided by the coup, would even remark that he never saw the move coming until the blow had already landed.The episode highlighted growing tensions within PN and reinforced perceptions that coalition relationships involving Bersatu are often vulnerable to sudden recalibration.
Muhyiddin’s broader political career has also been shaped by moments of sharp realignment. He challenged Abdullah Ahmad Badawi during a period of political weakness and later distanced himself from Mahathir during the Sheraton Move. His removal by Najib Razak from the post of Deputy Prime Minister is often revisited in hindsight, with some arguing that it reflected political foresight rather than personal animosity. Regardless of interpretation, these episodes contribute to a consistent narrative: Bersatu’s top leadership has repeatedly engaged in high-stakes political repositioning at critical junctures.
This pattern is not confined to the party’s president alone. Several senior figures associated with Bersatu have been involved in major political shifts. Hamzah Zainudin played a central role in encouraging defections from UMNO after GE14, while Azmin Ali was instrumental in the internal rupture within PKR that contributed to the fall of the Pakatan Harapan government. These actions, while politically strategic, further reinforced the perception that Bersatu’s ascent has been closely tied to internal disruptions within other parties.
At the structural level, Bersatu’s post-GE14 expansion relied heavily on absorbing defectors, particularly in Sabah and other regions where party loyalties proved fluid. While such strategies are not illegal or unprecedented, their frequency has shaped public scepticism about the party’s commitment to long-term coalition stability.
The Perlis episode once again brought these concerns to the fore. Bersatu assemblymen played a key role in reshaping the state leadership, sidelining PAS despite their shared platform within PN. Disagreements over appointments, governance direction, and coalition decision-making eventually weakened internal cohesion. A political party that struggles to maintain stable relationships with close allies inevitably raises questions about its reliability as a governing partner.
As a result, trust has become a recurring challenge for Bersatu. Political ambition is neither unusual nor illegitimate, but it is typically balanced by assurances of mutual commitment within coalitions. Bersatu’s history suggests that when ambition and opportunity converge, prior arrangements are often renegotiated—or abandoned altogether.
This has broader consequences for Malaysia’s political ecosystem. Parties engaging with Bersatu are compelled to remain cautious, aware that alliances may be reconfigured with little warning. Such an environment encourages defensive politics, where partners prioritise self-preservation over collective governance.
Ultimately, Bersatu’s most persistent challenge may not come from rival parties, but from its own political culture. Repeated internal shifts and coalition tensions have defined its public image more than policy achievements or ideological clarity. The party’s experience serves as a cautionary example of how frequent realignments, even when tactically successful, can undermine long-term credibility.
In Malaysian politics, ambition is inevitable. What determines endurance, however, is the ability to balance ambition with stability and trust. Bersatu’s record suggests that this balance remains elusive. Whether the party can recalibrate its approach and rebuild confidence among allies and voters alike will determine not only its future relevance, but also its place in Malaysia’s political history.
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