KUALA LUMPUR, October 22, 2026 — The growing rift between PAS and Bersatu following the internal crisis in Perikatan Nasional (PN) could weaken the opposition’s position in the upcoming Melaka state election, political analysts say.
The crisis intensified after the Registrar of Societies (RoS) cancelled PN’s registration on October 20, raising questions over the coalition’s election strategy, candidate coordination and use of a common political identity.
ILHAM Centre research fellow Mujibu Abd Muis said the dispute could lead to multi-cornered contests and split opposition votes, potentially benefiting rival parties.
He said PAS could campaign under its own banner, supported by its strong grassroots network, while Bersatu faces the challenge of determining its political direction without its alliance with PAS.
Mujibu added that the election would test whether both parties could retain their existing support and adapt to the changing political landscape.
Meanwhile, Universiti Malaya socio-political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said the crisis could trigger a realignment among opposition parties, including the formation of alternative political alliances.
With nomination day scheduled for October 31, he said PAS and Bersatu have limited time to resolve issues involving party symbols, seat allocation and campaign coordination.
However, he noted that PN’s deregistration would not automatically weaken the opposition, as both parties retain their organisational structures and grassroots support.
The Melaka state election is expected to test the ability of opposition parties to reorganise their strategies ahead of the campaign.
-Bernama
