A quiet but potentially seismic shift may be unfolding within Malaysia’s opposition landscape, as Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) appears to be recalibrating its political strategy ahead of the Melaka state election.
What once looked like a stable alliance under Perikatan Nasional (PN) is now showing visible cracks - and PAS may be preparing to redraw the map.
Political analyst Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia believes PAS’s decision to contest 16 out of 28 seats in Melaka is more than just electoral ambition - it signals a shift in allegiance. Compared to the eight seats it contested in the 2021 polls, this doubling suggests PAS is no longer content playing second fiddle to Bersatu within PN.
Instead, PAS appears to be inching closer to a new political force led by former Bersatu deputy president Dato' Seri Hamzah Zainudin. His emerging “Reset” bloc, formed after his high-profile exit from Bersatu, is gaining traction among key political figures - and PAS seems to be taking notice.
Cracks Within PN: A Coalition Under Strain
Tensions between PAS and Bersatu have been simmering for months. Disputes over leadership positions - particularly the unresolved issue of the opposition leader’s post - have exposed deeper fractures. While Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has reportedly pushed for a quick replacement of Hamzah, PAS has shown little urgency in complying.
This hesitation speaks volumes. Despite reports that Hamzah resigned as opposition leader in April recently, the absence of formal confirmation has allowed him to retain influence - further bolstered by support from a majority of Bersatu MPs. For PAS, this signals where the real power may lie.
Mazlan argues that PAS increasingly views Hamzah, rather than Bersatu as a party, as the more viable anchor for a future opposition coalition. If true, this could mark the beginning of Bersatu’s marginalisation within PN - a dramatic reversal for a party that once led the coalition.
Melaka as the Testing Ground
Melaka is shaping up to be the first battlefield for this new alignment. PAS’s intention to contest seats traditionally held or contested by Bersatu suggests a deliberate strategy to test its independence - and its partnership with Hamzah’s bloc.
The presence of influential figures aligned with Hamzah, such as Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin and Tan Sri Rahim Thamby Chik, further strengthens the perception that a new coalition nucleus is forming. If PAS succeeds, it could redefine opposition politics not just in Melaka, but nationwide.
A High-Stakes Gamble
However, not everyone is convinced this is a wise move. Analyst Azmi Hassan from Akademi Nusantara warns that PAS may be overestimating the strength of Hamzah’s relatively untested movement.
Melaka remains a stronghold of UMNO and Barisan Nasional, making any opposition experiment particularly risky. A miscalculation could weaken not only PAS but also undermine Hamzah’s credibility before his “Reset” bloc even fully takes shape.
The Road to 2027: Realignment or Rupture?
With the Melaka state assembly set to dissolve by December 2026 - and elections expected as early as this year, at latest by February 2027 - the clock is ticking. What unfolds in Melaka may well determine whether PAS’s bold repositioning becomes a masterstroke or a misstep.
One thing is evident: the opposition is no longer a united front. As alliances shift and loyalties are tested, PAS’s gamble on Hamzah’s “Reset” could either spark a political resurgence - or deepen the fractures within an already fragile coalition.
In Malaysian politics, where power hinges on timing and perception, PAS is moving to test its political standing. The question remains: will this realignment spark a renewal, or will it leave PAS and the 'Reset' bloc with the regret of a weakened position?
By: Kpost
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