In-depth reporting on Malaysia and the region.
The Democratic Action Party will hold its 2026 conference this weekend to vote on whether to remain in Malaysia's Unity Government or withdraw, marking a significant moment for the coalition's stability.
Perak DAP has voted unanimously to stay in the Unity Government, pledging to advance the Pakatan Harapan manifesto and maintain political stability through the current parliamentary term.
Umno information chief Azalina Othman has dismissed concerns that a Barisan Nasional-Perikatan Nasional alliance in Negeri Sembilan threatens the federal unity government, arguing that state and federal politics operate independently.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has appealed to DAP members to strengthen internal cohesion, citing the emerging alignment between BN and PN as a formidable threat to the party's electoral prospects.
Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has underlined the importance of respecting grassroots divisions' positions on seat allocations within the party's developing political arrangement with Perikatan Nasional.
BN chairman Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi has indicated that harmonising the two coalitions' election promises would present no significant obstacles should they receive an electoral mandate.
A senior Umno leader from Negeri Sembilan has sought to reassure non-Malay Malaysians that the BN-PN political cooperation poses no threat to their interests, pointing to PAS's track record in government.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has issued a stark warning to ministers and government officials: resign your positions if you intend to publicly criticise fellow unity coalition partners during state election campaigns.
PAS president Hadi Awang characterizes the Perikatan Nasional-Barisan Nasional partnership in Negeri Sembilan as fundamentally stronger than a conventional political alliance, though details of formal arrangements remain pending.
Puad Zarkashi indicates that Umno and PAS, despite their previous political estrangement, possess sufficient common ground to rebuild an alliance as both parties pursue immediate political objectives.
Perlis Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah has categorically denied speculation that he intends to leave Bersatu, insisting he remains a loyal party member and continues as chairman of Bersatu's Perlis chapter despite his recent departure from the party's Supreme Council.