01/06/2026

MONDAY | JUNE 1, 2026

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MIC accepts withdrawal of PN offer Ű BY THESUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

‘PAS-Bersatu rift suggests realignment within PN’

PETALING JAYA: MIC president Tan Sri S.A. Vigneswaran has said the party has taken Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) decision to rescind its membership offer in stride, expressing no bitterness toward any PN component party, including PAS. Speaking at MIC’s Family Day celebration in conjunction with the party’s 80th anniversary at Taman D.R. Seenivasagam in Ipoh yesterday, Vigneswaran explained that the party’s earlier willingness to join PN had been tied specifically to the coalition’s leadership structure at the time. “When the offer was first extended, PN was led by Bersatu and MIC was prepared to join it under those circumstances. However, no final decision was ever reached. The mandate from our grassroots members was based on that leadership arrangement.“ He reaffirmed MIC’s commitment to Barisan Nasional (BN), saying the absence of a role in the Unity government has not diminished the party’s resolve. He said holding government posts is not MIC’s foremost priority. “Seats are important, but not more important than protecting the rights of all communities. We are not sulking over the lack of positions. Also present at the event were MIC vice-president Datuk T. Murugiah and Perak MIC chief Tan Sri M. Ramasamy. On May 17, PN secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan announced that the membership offer has been withdrawn due to MIC’s failure to confirm its interest, adding that the party had never officially applied to join the coalition. The matter has been under discussion since early this year. On March 25, MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan had said the party would remain in BN “for now” but stopped short of ruling out a move to PN. He said MIC is reassessing its position following a leadership shift within PN, specifically the appointment of PAS vice-president Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar as the coalition’s new chairman, replacing Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. Vigneswaran added that despite holding no positions in either the federal Cabinet or any state government, MIC has no intention of abandoning BN out of frustration. He added that posts and titles benefit only a narrow few, while the broader mission of protecting community rights must remain the central concern. He also confirmed that seat negotiations with BN component parties ahead of the upcoming Johor election have begun, although the final decisions rest entirely with the party’s top leadership.

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Islamist party appears to be recalibrating its position in coalition as its influence strengthens, says analyst

disappointed with Umno are slowly going back to Umno.” Separately, Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan said the tensions between PAS and Bersatu reflect a deeper strategic contest over PN’s future composition rather than a temporary disagreement. He said PAS appears intent on maintaining its position within PN while pushing Bersatu out of the coalition. “But it is going to be difficult for Bersatu to be kicked out unless Bersatu voluntarily moves out from PN. “To kick out a member, you need agreement from all the members, in this case Gerakan and the Malaysian Indian People’s Party.” He added that PAS’s longer-term strategy may involve reshaping PN’s membership by bringing in smaller parties and potentially new entrants aligned with Hamzah’s faction or other emerging political vehicles. “But what is clear is that PAS adamantly wants Bersatu out while remaining within PN. “I think that is the strategy unfolding now and it is not a temporary dispute between the two parties.”

PETALING JAYA: A widening rift between PAS and Bersatu is pointing towards a potential realignment within Perikatan Nasional (PN) ahead of the next general election, with analysts saying the coalition could gradually evolve into a PAS-dominated vehicle as internal tensions reshape its structure. International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst and Iseas–Yusof Ishak Institute fellow Assoc Prof Dr Syaza Shukri said PAS appears to be recalibrating its position within PN as its influence strengthens, suggesting that the Islamist party no longer sees Bersatu as central to its electoral strategy. “I think PAS is re-strategising as it has gained more confidence, especially now that PN is led by PAS. It does not look like Bersatu is as needed as before.” She said the shifting balance of power within PN could have significant electoral implications, including a possible expansion of PAS’s contesting ground if it distances itself from Bersatu. “The implication is that PN will

value to PAS is marginal in the northern states, such as Kedah, Perlis and Penang. In states such as Malacca, I think Bersatu has more influence.” However, she said Bersatu faces structural challenges in expanding its appeal nationally, particularly amid competition from Umno. “Bersatu is competing with Umno, so I think Bersatu’s ability to broaden PN’s support is limited by the growing strength and confidence of Umno as well. “PN might lose the ‘moderate’ Malay votes but I am not sure how loyal these voters are to Bersatu.” She downplayed the likelihood of voter confusion if a split materialises, saying that PN’s core support base remains relatively stable. “I do not think there will be confusion because PN voters were mostly PAS supporters and those disappointed with Umno. “So, PAS voters will continue to vote PN/PAS while those previously

be a PAS-led vehicle and attract voters who support the Islamist party. If they cut relations with Bersatu, PAS could contest seats held by Bersatu and increase their own seats.” Looking ahead to the next general election, she explained that political fragmentation is likely to intensify across the divide, affecting opposition and government coalitions. “Ahead of the 16th general election, I think we will see fragmentation on both sides. PH and BN will contest separately and PAS and Bersatu will most likely do the same. “Maybe PAS will work with Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin and others, but the point is it will really be a free-for-all on the opposition and government sides.” Syaza added that Bersatu’s relevance to PAS may already be diminishing in key strongholds. “I think Bersatu’s presence and

Although PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang (right) and Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin are key pillars of PN, there are significant tensions and disagreements regarding the direction and administration of the coalition. – SUNPIC

Perikatan to contest all seats in Malacca polls MALACCA: Perikatan Nasional (PN) has confirmed that it will contest all 28 state seats in the Malacca election, expected to be held soon. PN deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the seat distribution would be strategy is in place to secure victory. He said PN is ready to face the election, with its machinery at all levels being strengthened, while Bersatu division chiefs have been instructed to submit names of prospective candidates for consideration, Bernama reported. He also said candidates would finalised through negotiations with component parties to ensure the best

people,” he said at the launch of the Malacca Bersatu election machinery in Klebang on Saturday. Muhyiddin added that PN would continue discussions with other parties interested in working together ahead of the state election, with any seat distribution to be decided through joint negotiations.

be selected based on several criteria, including good character, integrity, a proven track record, experience and close rapport with the local community. “Anyone may offer to contest, but we want candidates with good character, a strong work ethic, experience and close ties with the

Skudai rep announces withdrawal from politics JOHOR BAHRU: Skudai state

Barisan Nasional candidate Lim Soon Hai, who received 12,416 votes, and Perikatan Nasional candidate Khoo Keng Ek, who received 6,258 votes. – Bernama

She also said she will continue working until a new state assembly member is elected. In the last state election, Marina won 26,359 votes, defeating

life even before I entered politics.” She apologised for any shortcomings or weaknesses in serving the Skudai state constituency since March 22, 2022.

“I have chosen to return to something very close to my heart, being out in the field, engaging with the community and continuing the social work that has been part of my

assemblywoman Marina Ibrahim has announced her withdrawal from politics and will not defend her seat in the upcoming Johor election.