Malaysia’s political landscape has remained volatile since the 2018 election ended decades of single-coalition rule. Former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin emerged as a key figure after a 2020 political crisis elevated him to the premiership at the head of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition. PN later became the main opposition force after Anwar Ibrahim formed a government in 2022.
The coalition draws much of its support from ethnic-Malay Muslims, a majority group in Malaysia’s multi-racial and multi-faith society. Its rise has posed a challenge to Anwar’s more centrist, reformist alliance that relies on cross-ethnic backing.
What Happened
Muhyiddin announced he would resign as chairman of Perikatan Nasional, effective January 1, without giving a reason. Shortly after, PN Secretary-General Azmin Ali also stepped down, leaving the coalition without clear leadership.
The resignations come amid internal tensions within PN. The Islamist party PAS accused Muhyiddin’s Bersatu party of attempting a leadership takeover in the northern state of Perlis, while Bersatu itself has been wracked by internal dissent, including the sacking and suspension of senior figures and calls for Muhyiddin to step aside as party president.
Why It Matters
Muhyiddin’s departure could significantly shift the balance of power within the opposition. PAS already holds the largest number of seats of any single party in parliament and has strong grassroots support among conservative Malays and younger voters. A PAS-led PN could sharpen ideological contrasts with Anwar’s government and push Malaysian politics in a more overtly Islamist direction.
The leadership shake-up also comes as PN seeks to maintain momentum ahead of regional polls and a general election due by early 2028, at a time when Anwar’s government is grappling with economic pressures and reform expectations.
Muhyiddin Yassin: Former prime minister and founding leader of PN, whose resignation comes amid party infighting and pending corruption charges, which he denies.
Perikatan Nasional (PN): Malaysia’s main opposition coalition, now facing a leadership vacuum and potential realignment.
PAS (Parti Islam Se-Malaysia): The conservative Islamist party with the most parliamentary seats, positioning itself to lead PN.
Bersatu: Muhyiddin’s party, weakened by internal divisions and leadership challenges.
Anwar Ibrahim’s Government: The ruling coalition, which could face a more unified and ideologically driven opposition.
What’s Next
PAS has formally offered to take over leadership of Perikatan Nasional, framing the move as necessary to rebuild public trust and prepare for upcoming elections. Whether other PN components accept PAS at the helm will determine the coalition’s future cohesion.
Muhyiddin remains a significant political figure, but his influence is likely to wane as legal proceedings over corruption charges move forward, with a trial expected to begin in March. The coming months will reveal whether PN consolidates under Islamist leadership or fractures further, reshaping Malaysia’s opposition landscape ahead of the next national vote.
With informaion from Reuters.
