Gerakan, MIPP caught in dilemma as Bersatu fights to stay in PN

PETALING JAYA: Gerakan and the Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP) are caught in a difficult position, torn over whether to side with PAS or Bersatu amid Perikatan Nasional’s ongoing crisis, according to political analysts.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Mazlan Ali said Bersatu’s future in PN cannot be decided by PAS alone, as the coalition’s constitution demands consensus among components for such major decisions.

Mazlan said Bersatu’s insistence on remaining in PN was consistent with the coalition’s constitution and reflected the party’s belief that it should not bow to pressure from PAS.

This situation, he said, was putting pressure on Gerakan and MIPP as they weigh their options carefully.

“I think Gerakan and MIPP are still in a dilemma over whether to choose PAS or Bersatu.

“From a political point of view, Bersatu is the more suitable party to work with because of the moderate nature of its leadership, whereas PAS is seen as championing an Islamic narrative that will not attract non-Muslim support.

“However, in terms of strength, PAS appears more dominant and can help Gerakan and MIPP win seats in elections, compared with Bersatu,” he said.

PAS ended its political cooperation with Bersatu last week, but both remain components of PN and are grappling for control of the opposition coalition.

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang previously said his party could not unilaterally boot Bersatu out of PN despite the coalition being chaired by vice-president Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar.

He said a component member could only be dismissed if the majority of PN’s four parties agreed to it.

On Tuesday night, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin said his party would remain with PN despite the tensions, and that it was ready to take on the Islamic party “on all fronts”.

Akademi Nusantara’s Azmi Hassan said the more immediate challenge for Bersatu could come during the nomination process for the upcoming Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections.

Azmi pointed out that all surat watikah — the official letters of appointment — must be signed by PN chairman Samsuri before candidates can contest under the coalition’s logo.

He also said PAS would face little difficulty even if it contested under its own logo, whereas it may be more critical for Bersatu to retain PN’s branding.

“Bersatu is desperate to use the PN logo, and I think that is the reason why they are very adamant about remaining under it.”