Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian of Universiti Sains Malaysia said Perikatan’s future hinges on the rapid appointment of a credible leader, clearer power-sharing arrangements among its component parties, and a shift away from protest politics towards a coherent governing narrative. “Perikatan’s biggest threat is leadership uncertainty, not its opponents,” he said when contacted yesterday. The coalition has been leaderless since Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced his resignation in late December, effective Jan 1. He identified Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin and PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man as the most credible potential successors, while noting that names like Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali and Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar face political or structural limitations. Universiti Malaya’s Dr Moham­mad Tawfik Yaakub echoed the urgency, warning that Perikatan risks losing its direction if the leadership deadlock continues.

Source: The Star January 26, 2026 00:54 UTC