The question of dominance within Perikatan Nasional (PN) is an increasingly contentious issue, with PAS holding 43 parliamentary seats compared to Bersatu’s 25. However, when it comes to leadership and key positions, Bersatu seems to have the upper hand, further fueling speculation of an internal power struggle that could destabilize the coalition.
Bersatu’s Strategic Hold
The top three positions in PN’s leadership ie. Chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Secretary-General Dato' Seri Azmin Ali, and Information Chief Ahmad Dato' Seri Faizal Azumu, are occupied by Bersatu leaders. Additionally, Bersatu members dominate the Supreme Council with prominent roles assigned to Dato' Seri Hamzah Zainudin, Dato' Seri Ronald Kiandee, and Datuk Dr. Radzi Jidin.
This imbalance in leadership positions has raised eyebrows within PAS, with critics pointing out that the party, despite its larger representation in Parliament, has been relegated to secondary roles such as Deputy Chairman (Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang) and Election Director (Dato' Seri Sanusi Nor).
Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar’s Resignation: A Silent Protest?
The recent resignation of PAS Vice-President Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar as PN treasurer is seen as a significant development. Analysts believe it signals growing discontent within PAS over what is perceived as unilateral decision-making by Muhyiddin Yassin and Bersatu.
A PAS source hinted that Samsuri’s resignation might be a calculated move to force PN to reconsider its power structure. Reports suggest that key appointments in the coalition were made without proper consultation, leading to a silent protest by PAS leaders, including the usually outspoken Hadi Awang.
A Brewing Leadership Crisis
National Council of Professors fellow Azmi Hassan has described the situation as a "silent battle," emphasizing that PAS may demand a greater say in PN's decision-making process, particularly as the coalition prepares for the next general election. Azmi speculated that PAS might also push to have one of its leaders as the coalition’s “poster boy” for the upcoming polls.
Similarly, Syaza Shukri of International Islamic University Malaysia observed that PAS’s position in PN is increasingly resembling that of a junior partner, despite its numerical strength. This growing disparity in influence could lead to further friction between the two parties.
PAS vs. Bersatu: The Future of PN
While PAS holds numerical superiority, Bersatu’s stronghold over key positions has allowed it to steer PN’s strategic direction. This imbalance is testing the coalition’s unity and could have far-reaching implications for its electoral prospects. If the current tension persists, it may lead to a leadership crisis that risks alienating PAS, the backbone of PN’s voter base in rural and conservative areas.
As the silent battle intensifies, one thing is clear: PN’s future depends on whether it can strike a balance between PAS’s grassroots influence and Bersatu’s organizational leadership. Until then, the question remains: who truly is the big brother of PN?
By: Kpost
Information Source:
Fmt , Fmt , Malaymail , ParlimenMalaysia
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