New test for PAS-Bersatu ties: Perak

2026-03-26 - 01:50

While Perak has been seen as a ‘Bersatu state’ since vice-president Ahmad Faizal Azumu served as menteri besar from 2018-2020, a PAS leader has suggested that vice-president Idris Ahmad and state opposition leader Razman Zakaria could take on the role if PN wrests the state. PETALING JAYA: An analyst sees Perak as the latest test of ties between PAS and Bersatu, after a PAS leader’s suggestion that the Islamic party take leadership of the state if Perikatan Nasional (PN) gains a majority in the next election. Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri said the dispute could be dragged to the national level of PN, especially given Perak’s image as a “Bersatu state” since the tenure of vice-president Ahmad Faizal Azumu as menteri besar from 2018 to 2020. “Perak has become a test and a bone of contention in PN. Bersatu, which has failed to build confidence, faces a PAS that is growing confident and wants to be in power. “If these fractures aren’t handled prudently by PN, it risks losing not just the Perak election but its credibility as a national alternative,” said the analyst from Global Asia Consulting. Zaharuddin told FMT that PAS’s confidence could stem from its experience in the Perak government with Pakatan Rakyat from 2008 to 2009, and Umno plus Bersatu from 2020 to 2022. “Those instances proved PAS’s ability to adapt to complex political alliances. That experience lends PAS the confidence of leading the state administration once again.” Earlier this week, Perak PAS Youth strategy director Nurhafizul Badrul Hisham said the party had five leaders capable of leading the state, including vice-president Idris Ahmad and state opposition leader Razman Zakaria. Idris played down this remark, telling FMT he was “not qualified” for the role, while Razman said his political struggle did not revolve around vying for positions. Tawfik Yaakub of Universiti Malaya viewed the proposal as the latest wave of pressure from PAS on Bersatu, which he said could further hamper ties between the coalition allies. “The platform that they have for discussions may be a mere political charade. The turmoil in the relationship between PAS and Bersatu is more apparent than their ‘true friendship’,” he added. He also questioned the suggestion of Razman as a possible candidate for the menteri besar post, noting that the controversial assemblyman had lost several defamation cases in the past four years. “Is this the kind of person they want to lead the state government for PN?” he said, referring to the apologies and retractions Razman had made over slanderous remarks against various Pakatan Harapan leaders. In September, Razman lost his position as Perak PAS chief, with Idris taking over the role. Tawfik said Idris was better suited for a federal position as the Perak menteri besar’s post would be a “demotion” for the former religious affairs minister.