Bersatu Perlis hit by mass resignations, 114 branch chiefs quit

ARAU: The resignation of 114 Bersatu branch chiefs in Perlis signals a deepening crisis within the party that could have wider implications, an academic said.

Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) lecturer Muhammad Izmer Yusof said the development was not surprising, as Bersatu had limited strength when contesting on its own.

He said past election results showed the party had relied on the strength of its coalition partners.

"Before the 14th General Election (GE14) in 2018, Bersatu benefited from its cooperation with Pakatan Harapan, while after 2020, it relied on Pas's machinery.

"Even without the resignation of the 114 branch chiefs, the current crisis between Bersatu and Pas is enough to weaken the party because without support from a strong political partner, its prospects in future elections would be severely affected," he said when contacted yesterday.

On potential cooperation between Pas and Umno, Izmer said political dynamics were driven by common interests rather than permanent alliances or rivalries.

He said the biggest challenge would be seat allocation, particularly in the four states under the SG4 grouping — Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu — where Umno's electoral strength is limited.

He suggested that Pas and Umno could consider dividing constituencies according to their respective areas of influence, including allowing Pas and Perikatan Nasional to retain constituencies in the SG4 states, while BN focuses on Melaka, Johor and Negri Sembilan.

On the emergence of Wawasan, Izmer said the new party could seek to fill the political space left by Bersatu in Perlis and nationally.

He said Bersatu-held seats could potentially be contested by Wawasan candidates in future state or general elections.

The internal crisis in Bersatu Perlis began on July 9 when Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah resigned from the party's supreme leadership council, followed by state executive councillor and Sena assemblyman Marzita Mansor.

On the same day, Bersatu Perlis secretary and Senator Azahar Hassan announced his resignation from the party and all positions held.

The crisis continued on Aug 11 when another state executive councillor, Megat Hashirat Hassan, resigned as an Arau division committee member.

The situation escalated on Sept 8 when Padang Besar Bersatu deputy chief Ramzi Md Udi and 14 branch chiefs quit the party, followed by 90 Kangar division branch chiefs on Sept 9 and 10 Arau division branch chiefs the following day.