Malaysia’s PAS eyes new pecking order as it rekindles ties with Umno

Malaysia’s biggest Islamist opposition party has used its annual convention to reopen the door to former rival Umno, while signalling that any reunion will come with a new pecking order as the party sets its sights on leading the federal government.

The recalibration comes after a partnership involving Umno and the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) jointly toppled Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s coalition in Negeri Sembilan last month, weeks after Umno crushed Pakatan Harapan (PH) in Johor.

With the parties now backing calls for an early general election – not due until February 2028 at the latest – analysts say their renewed courtship gives Umno greater leverage over Anwar while allowing both sides to test cooperation without yet settling the harder questions of seats and leadership.

Anwar’s PH has suffered bruising losses in three state elections since last November, most significantly ceding control of Negeri Sembilan after nearly eight years in power.

The common thread in the two state contests on the peninsula was a hard tilt towards Malay dominance in the political structure.

Nearly 4,000 delegates and observers attended the opening of PAS’ 72nd muktamar in Kota Bharu on Friday, which was held alongside celebrations marking the party’s 75th anniversary.