Internal Rifts, Leadership Uncertainty Threaten PN's Opposition Strength - Analysts

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 1  (Bernama) -- Internal tensions within Perikatan Nasional (PN), marked by political manoeuvring, separate meetings among leaders and contradictory statements over the coalition chairman’s position, are increasingly seen as a factor that could undermine the strength and credibility of the opposition bloc.

Political observers note that, beyond the conflicting statements by PN leaders, the absence of a PAS representative, despite the party being the largest component of the coalition, at a meeting of PN leaders last Thursday has been interpreted as a symbolic indicator of internal discord.

Ilham Centre research fellow Mujibu Abd Muis said the recurring and publicly expressed tensions within PN, which remain unresolved, point to weaknesses in strategic coordination at the highest leadership level.

He said the situation suggests that PN has yet to fully institutionalise an effective mechanism for managing internal conflict, particularly in navigating differing interests among its component parties.

“What transpired after the Perlis Menteri Besar crisis, which later became closely linked to the issue of the PN chairman’s position, reinforces the view that tensions within PN are no longer routine or temporary,” he told Bernama.

Mujibu added that these tensions, which increasingly reveal structural and leadership shortcomings, could erode voter confidence in PN’s ability to govern stably and effectively if not addressed strategically and with discipline.

“Despite assurances that the situation remains under control, actions such as open sarcasm, the absence of key leaders from important meetings and contradictory public statements should not be taken lightly. They indicate a deficit of trust among the main actors in the coalition, particularly in decision-making coordination and collective leadership,” he said.

He stressed that while tensions are common in coalition politics, how they are managed determines whether they remain temporary dynamics or evolve into structural conflicts that threaten stability in the medium and long term.

Meanwhile, Director of the Centre for Malay Excellence Studies at the Academy of Malay Studies, Universiti Malaya, Datuk Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi, said prolonged tensions without a clear internal resolution mechanism and disciplined communication risk reflecting deeper structural divisions rather than mere tactical differences.

He said any changes to PN’s leadership or structural model, if implemented in an inclusive, transparent and consensus-based manner, could strengthen the coalition by clarifying leadership hierarchy and redefining the roles of component parties.

“However, if changes are made hastily, selectively or without sensitivity to the balance of power between parties, they could widen existing rifts.

“In the post-pandemic political landscape that demands stability and efficiency, the perception of internal unity is just as important as ideological strength and policy direction,” he said.

According to Awang Azman,  PN’s failure to manage internal differences in a mature and structured manner would not only affect perceptions of its stability, but could also weaken public confidence in its credibility as an alternative governing coalition.

Last Thursday, PN leaders held a meeting at the residence of Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as a replacement for a special PN Supreme Council meeting that was cancelled at the last minute by PN deputy secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan.

However, no PAS representative, including party president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, attended the meeting.

Instead, PAS held a three-day party retreat beginning last Friday, which is believed to have discussed cooperation with PN component parties as well as preparations for the upcoming state elections and the 16th General Election.

 Most recently, media reports claimed that the meeting of PN leaders at Muhyiddin's residence allegedly agreed to form an Executive Council and thus abolish the position of PN Chairman.

-- BERNAMA