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THE turmoil in Perikatan Nasional has made Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim the central figure in the country’s shifting political landscape - independent observer Sayuti Omar said.
According to Sayuti, the internal turmoil within PN triggers fresh speculation about potential realignments that could ultimately strengthen the Madani government.
“The latest uncertainty follows the resignation of former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin as PN chairman. His departure was swiftly followed by Azmin Ali, a key ally, who stepped down as PN secretary-general and PN Selangor chairman.”
“The PN chairman in Johor has also relinquished his post, fueling perceptions of a widening leadership rupture within the opposition coalition.”
“These developments may herald a broader wave of resignations, particularly among Bersatu leaders holding positions within PN. If such a trend materialises, it would significantly weaken the coalition’s internal coherence and negotiating leverage,” said Sayuti.
The latest figure to resign following Muhyiddin’s sudden departure is Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu.
It is believed that Muhyiddin's resignation is related to various insistences from PAS leaders against Muhyiddin's leadership in PN following the recent political crisis in Perlis.
Sayuti meanwhile opined that the exit of Muhyiddin and his close associates appears to open the door for Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin and his faction to consolidate control over Bersatu and PN.
“However, the situation may be far more complicated than it appears at first glance. It is worth considering whether Muhyiddin and his allies are not merely offering PAS a tactical advantage amid the political impasse in Perlis, but are in fact contemplating a move of much greater consequence.”
“One possibility is a dramatic political pivot, in which Muhyiddin leads his supporters toward backing the Madani government. It would be difficult to imagine a political operator of his experience failing to sense that factions aligned with Hamzah are already recalibrating their strategies in the direction of supporting the current administration,” he added.
Describing Anwar as a prized trophy, Sayuti said the prime minister has many years been portrayed by political commentators as a coveted prize—a “trophy” contested by rival political camps.
“Each believing it deserves a place in government. The present upheaval within PN reinforces this analogy, underscoring how Anwar’s leadership continues to shape calculations across the political divide,” he said.
Although the latest exodus of leaders from Bersatu has gained much traction, PN youth leadership in a joint statement, urged leaders at all levels to exercise political wisdom and adhere to ethical standards in steering the coalition.
“PN Youth also calls on leadership at every level to practise politics with wisdom and uphold ethics in the coalition, to realise the broader agenda for the welfare of the people and the future of Malaysia,” the statement read.
The statement was jointly issued by Hilman Idham, Chief of Bersatu’s Armada youth wing; Lee Boon Shian, Chief of Gerakan Nasional Youth; and Justin Prabakaran, Chief of MIPP National Youth. – December 31, 2025