PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari has urged Bersatu to remain within the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, stressing that unity is crucial in maintaining the confidence of Malay voters.
However, he suggested that Bersatu appears to be taking a more confrontational stance towards PN’s current direction, which he said could strain internal relations within the coalition.
“Our position is clear. We want Bersatu to remain in PN. We also welcome members who have been expelled and want these matters to be managed properly,” he was quoted as saying in an interview with Utusan Malaysia.
The Pasir Mas MP warned that if Bersatu continues what he described as an “arrogant” approach, it risks losing its political relevance in the national landscape.
He added that even influential figures such as former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had seen their political influence decline, implying that Bersatu could face a similar fate as Pejuang.
PAS formally ended its political cooperation with Bersatu on 8 June, after which Bersatu reportedly pledged to intensify its efforts against PAS in upcoming state elections in Johor and Negeri Sembilan, while still contesting under the PN banner.
On Monday, PN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar announced that Parti Wawasan Negara and Pejuang had been admitted into the coalition following a Supreme Council meeting, which he said was conducted smoothly, with Bersatu’s status not discussed.
Parti Wawasan Negara, launched on 13 June, is led by former Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.
Tensions within PN have escalated further after two Bersatu leaders were removed from key coalition posts last week, including Azmin Ali and Radzi Jidin.
Bersatu vice-president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu later accused Samsuri of pushing through Wawasan’s admission despite concerns over registration issues.
However, PN election director Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor maintained that the decision was made through a majority vote during the coalition’s Supreme Council meeting.
When asked about speculation of possible cooperation between PAS and Umno, Fadhli said PAS has never closed the door to collaboration.
“If Umno is willing to cooperate, that door remains open. What matters is leaving the past behind and focusing on what is best for the future,” he said.
His remarks mark a shift from earlier this month, when he suggested PAS and Bersatu may no longer be able to coexist within PN.
