Malaysia’s former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin said on Tuesday that he will step down as leader of the Perikatan Nasional opposition coalition, a decision that could reshape the political alliance and open the door for the Islamist PAS party to take control ahead of future elections.
Muhyiddin said his resignation as coalition chairman will take effect on January 1. He did not give a reason for the move, which comes amid growing internal tensions within the bloc as it seeks to challenge Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s government.
In a brief statement, Muhyiddin thanked coalition leaders for their support during his tenure and wished the alliance well moving forward. Shortly afterward, Perikatan Nasional Secretary General Azmin Ali also announced his resignation, leaving the coalition without a clear leadership structure.
The back to back departures followed a week of disputes inside the mostly ethnic Malay Muslim alliance. The Islamist party PAS accused Muhyiddin’s Bersatu party of attempting to sideline PAS leaders in the northern state of Perlis, which is governed by Perikatan Nasional.
Bersatu itself has faced internal unrest, with several senior figures suspended or removed in October amid calls for Muhyiddin to relinquish the party presidency and abandon plans to return as prime minister.
PAS, which holds the largest number of seats of any single party in Malaysia’s 222 member parliament, said it is prepared to take over leadership of the coalition to restore unity and voter confidence.
In a statement, PAS Secretary General Takiyuddin Hassan said the party was ready to lead Perikatan Nasional in preparation for upcoming state elections and a general election that must be held by early 2028.
Political analysts say PAS’s growing influence reflects shifting voter sentiment, particularly among younger Malays and more conservative communities.
Muhyiddin became Malaysia’s eighth prime minister in 2020 following a political crisis that toppled the previous government. He led the country for 17 months before resigning after losing his parliamentary majority, facing criticism over his handling of the COVID 19 pandemic.
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After Anwar Ibrahim took office in late 2022, Muhyiddin was charged with corruption linked to projects approved during his premiership. His trial is scheduled to begin in March. Muhyiddin has denied any wrongdoing, describing the charges as politically motivated.
Malaysia remains a multiracial and multifaith country, with ethnic Malay Muslims making up more than 60 percent of the population alongside large Chinese and Indian minorities. The opposition coalition’s future leadership could play a decisive role in shaping the country’s political direction in the years ahead.
