Malaysia’s Opposition Coalition Restructures Leadership Amid Crisis

Malaysia’s opposition coalition, Perikatan Nasional (PN), has announced a significant restructuring of its leadership, abolishing the chairman position previously held by Muhyiddin Yassin. This decision aims to address ongoing leadership challenges and facilitate a smoother transition of power within the coalition, which was formed in February 2020.

New Leadership Structure Established

In a letter dated January 27, 2026, addressed to the presidents of the other three component parties, Muhyiddin outlined a new framework that will see the establishment of a Presidential Council, led by Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), and an Executive Council, headed by Parti Se-Islam Malaysia (PAS). This restructuring is intended to resolve the current impasse regarding the appointment of a successor to Muhyiddin, who officially stepped down from the chairman role effective January 1.

“The Presidential Council will serve as the highest decision-making body responsible for determining PN’s policies,” Muhyiddin explained. He noted that the Executive Council would implement these policies within the coalition, which also includes Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia (Gerakan) and the Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP).

Muhyiddin emphasized the importance of unity within the coalition, reflecting on a recent meeting on January 16 where leaders from Bersatu and PAS reached consensus on this new structure. “The meeting took place in a very harmonious atmosphere,” he stated, highlighting that the goal is to maintain PN’s appeal across Malaysia’s diverse multi-racial society.

Addressing Internal Conflicts

The announcement follows a period of instability within PN, marked by a vacancy in its top leadership position since January 1. In his letter, Muhyiddin referenced a notice issued by PN’s deputy secretary-general, Takiyuddin Hassan, on January 24, which called for an extraordinary meeting of the PN Supreme Council to discuss the appointment of a new chairman. Muhyiddin contended that this agenda contradicted the consensus reached by coalition leaders.

“Let us return to the path of consensus between us to resolve PN’s internal crisis harmoniously,” Muhyiddin urged.

In response, Takiyuddin subsequently cancelled the planned Supreme Council meeting. During a press conference on January 23, he had dismissed concerns regarding Muhyiddin’s non-invitation, asserting that the resignation was legally effective as of January 1, and thus, the matter would still require endorsement from the council.

The leadership shakeup comes amid a backdrop of political turmoil in Perlis, where recent events have seen the resignation of PAS assemblyman Mohd Shukri Ramli as chief minister. Following his departure, Bersatu’s Abu Bakar Hamzah assumed the role. Shukri’s resignation resulted from eight statutory declarations by assemblymen withdrawing their support, leading to further complications within the state assembly.

As the restructuring of PN unfolds, the coalition aims to reinforce its position as a moderate political force capable of uniting different segments of Malaysian society, particularly in regions such as Sabah and Sarawak. This initiative reflects a broader strategy to enhance internal cohesion and bolster support in anticipation of future electoral challenges.