PH, BN and PN: Malaysia's Three Big Coalitions Explained
Pakatan Harapan, Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional dominate Malaysian politics. Here is what each coalition is, who leads it, and how they line up in 2026.
In-depth analysis and insight on Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
Pakatan Harapan, Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional dominate Malaysian politics. Here is what each coalition is, who leads it, and how they line up in 2026.

Perikatan Nasional maintains optimism about governing Johor despite contesting only 33 of 56 state assembly seats. The coalition's strategy relies on seat efficiency and opposition vote fragmentation.

Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin expressed confidence that Perikatan Nasional possesses sufficient support to form the next state government, noting the coalition has potential allies beyond its current membership, including Muda.

Bersatu president Muhyiddin has responded diplomatically to PAS's refusal to share campaign machinery, emphasising that mutual support remains voluntary within the Perikatan Nasional coalition.

PAS has withdrawn its election machinery from constituencies where Bersatu is competing, consolidating Perikatan Nasional's campaign resources. The move reflects coordination within the coalition ahead of coming electoral contests.

Perikatan Nasional chairman Muhyiddin Yassin joined hundreds of supporters mobilising behind Bersatu's Dr Sahruddin Jamal in the Bukit Kepong electoral contest.

Barisan Nasional, Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional are preparing for multi-cornered battles across 33 of 56 state seats in the upcoming Johor election, reshaping the competitive landscape.

An Amanah leader has challenged Pas to clarify why it continues supporting Bersatu candidates in Johor despite raising serious allegations against its Perikatan Nasional partner.
PAS will not marshal its electoral resources to support Bersatu candidates contesting the Johor state elections, PAS president Hadi Awang confirmed, marking a significant shift in coalition dynamics.

Gerakan has announced its withdrawal from the Johor state election, with party officials confirming a strategic pivot toward supporting Perikatan Nasional component parties in the upcoming contest.

PAS president Hadi Awang has dismissed suggestions that the party's June 8 split from Bersatu constitutes a deliberate campaign strategy, as Bersatu prepares aggressive electoral campaigns in upcoming state polls.

Johor's 16th state election accelerates tomorrow as nomination day opens competition across all 56 assembly seats. Seven political coalitions are fielding candidates, with polling scheduled for July 11.

Despite standing as joint Perikatan Nasional candidates, Pas and Bersatu will pursue independent campaign strategies in the Johor state election, reflecting underlying tensions within the coalition partnership.
PAS and Bersatu will contest Johor's state election under the Perikatan Nasional logo but operate distinct campaign machinery, reflecting their separate organisational structures and strategic priorities.

The Perikatan Nasional coalition chairman has dismissed concerns about two member parties using the same electoral symbol, emphasising their separate territorial assignments.

Malaysia's Registrar of Societies is examining key documents concerning Wawasan's relationship with Perikatan Nasional. A final determination on the party's membership status remains pending as the authority conducts its review.

The Maju India Political Party makes its electoral debut by fielding candidates in five Johor constituencies under the Perikatan Nasional umbrella, marking a significant milestone for the Indian-focused political movement.

A former aide to Muhyiddin has questioned PAS leader Samsuri's effectiveness as Perikatan Nasional chief, suggesting his leadership lacks the decisive impact needed to consolidate Malay political support.

Abd Mutalip Abd Rahim has departed Umno to join Bersatu, signalling his intention to contest the Layang-Layang seat on a Perikatan Nasional ticket following the allocation of the constituency to MCA.

A former Layang-Layang assemblyman has left Umno to join Bersatu, illustrating ongoing political realignment in Johor and intensifying competition between coalition partners.

Parti Wawasan Negara, formerly Parti Cinta Malaysia, will not field candidates in Johor but will support Perikatan Nasional. The party's new president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin confirmed the decision while indicating intent to contest in Negri Sembilan.

A senior Bersatu politician has expressed confidence that the coalition's fractured partnership with PAS can be mended, drawing parallels to marital discord that doesn't necessarily signal permanent breakdown.

A Bersatu assemblyman has voiced confidence that strained relations between his party and Pas within the Perikatan Nasional coalition can be restored, comparing their recent tensions to marital friction.

Perikatan Nasional chairman Samsuri Mokhtar has reinforced the need for all coalition members to honour collective resolutions, pushing back against Bersatu's recent grievances over Wawasan's swift integration.

Perikatan Nasional has reached agreement on using a unified logo for the Johor state election, but political experts warn this masks persistent internal tensions between PAS and Bersatu that threaten the coalition's long-term credibility.

Bersatu has clarified its position on recent coalition movements, denying objections to Parti Pejuang Tanah Air joining Perikatan Nasional while confirming it has issues with another party's entry into the bloc.

Parti Pejuang Tanah Air will represent Perikatan Nasional in the Gambir state seat during the forthcoming Johor election, as Parti Wawasan Negara withdraws from the contest.

Bersatu's information chief Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz has denied the party blocked Pejuang's entry into Perikatan Nasional, instead clarifying that Bersatu opposed only Parti Wawasan Negara's admission over potential coalition tensions.

Perikatan Nasional leaders have successfully wrapped up seat allocation discussions for the Johor elections, with coalition members departing talks in a positive mood.

A Perikatan Nasional leader has rejected Bersatu's objections to the admission of Parti Wawasan Negara, the rebranded version of Parti Cinta Malaysia led by Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, signalling the coalition's decision is final.

Perikatan Nasional's election director has confirmed that Bersatu will contest the largest share of seats in the upcoming Johor state election, following resolution of disputed seat allocations among coalition partners.

Perikatan Nasional has finalised seat allocations for the Johor state election, resolving contested seats across its component parties. The coalition's election machinery appears primed for the upcoming electoral contest.

A key opposition figure has blamed Perikatan Nasional's failure to address Bersatu's status within the coalition for prolonging the political crisis, citing growing friction between Bersatu and PAS.

PAS leadership has reaffirmed its desire to keep Bersatu within the Perikatan Nasional coalition, even as tensions simmer over policy direction and strategic positioning within Malaysia's political landscape.

Political analysts caution that Perikatan Nasional's inclusion of Wawasan and Pejuang risks fragmenting support among Malay voters, potentially undermining Bersatu's traditional electoral strongholds.

The Wawasan president has positioned the party as a crucial connector for Perikatan Nasional, emphasizing that Malaysia's development requires consensus-building across political divides and a steadfast dedication to the country's welfare.

Perikatan Nasional has confirmed seat allocations for more than half of its 56 Johor constituencies, though final distribution remains stalled by competing demands from coalition partners.

Perikatan Nasional's deputy chairman P. Punithan has forcefully rejected online rumours suggesting the coalition plans to sit out the upcoming Johor state election, calling the claims entirely false.

Perikatan Nasional's election director has confirmed that Wawasan 2.0's admission into the coalition was approved through a majority vote by the Supreme Council, despite opposition from coalition partner Bersatu.

Perikatan Nasional will contest the Johor state election under its own party logo, not the Barisan Nasional banner, according to election director Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.

Perikatan Nasional has cleared more than half its seat-sharing negotiations for the Johor state election, with information chief Tan Sri Annuar Musa indicating a final allocation announcement could come Thursday following further talks.

Perikatan Nasional has made substantial headway in determining its Johor parliamentary and state assembly seat allocation, with more than 50 percent of positions now settled among coalition parties, according to senior party figures.

Bersatu has publicly contested the Perikatan Nasional chairman's decision to admit Wawasan into the opposition coalition, with party leadership arguing the move was premature and lacked proper deliberation.

Parti Pejuang Tanah Air has formally joined Perikatan Nasional, with party president Mukhriz Mahathir framing the move as part of a wider initiative to unite political actors and confront mounting challenges facing Malaysia.

Perikatan Nasional is likely maintaining its partnership with Bersatu to prevent coalition fractures ahead of critical state elections in Johor and Negri Sembilan, say analysts.
Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has indicated that his party's position within the Perikatan Nasional coalition was not discussed during an emergency meeting, prompting speculation about internal fractures within the political bloc.

A political analyst has criticised Perikatan Nasional's emergency meeting for sidestepping the critical question of Bersatu's coalition membership, warning the omission perpetuates instability amid escalating friction between Bersatu and PAS.

Perikatan Nasional has rejected a viral statement suggesting the coalition intends to withdraw from three upcoming state elections, labelling the claim as false and inaccurate.

Perikatan Nasional will conclude its seat allocation negotiations for the Johor state election at a special meeting today, marking a critical juncture for the coalition's election strategy.

Perikatan Nasional's Supreme Council has approved membership applications from Parti Pejuang Tanah Air and Parti Cinta Malaysia, strengthening the coalition ahead of the Johor state election scheduled for July 11.

Perikatan Nasional has admitted two new political parties following an emergency Supreme Council meeting, though contentious issues around the coalition's shared vision and identity remain unresolved.

Perikatan Nasional convened an emergency Supreme Council session focused on broadening its coalition membership, but deliberately steered clear of examining Bersatu's standing within the opposition alliance.

Perikatan Nasional convened an emergency Supreme Council meeting at its PAS headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, signalling mounting internal discussions within Malaysia's opposition coalition.

Muhyiddin Yassin and Bersatu leaders held an emergency meeting to address the party's precarious position within Perikatan Nasional following PAS's decision to withdraw from the coalition.

PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim has pushed back against claims that Perikatan Nasional belongs exclusively to Bersatu, insisting the coalition remains under collective stewardship of all member parties.
Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin has stressed that removing the party from the Perikatan Nasional coalition would demand consensus among all members, rejecting any suggestion of unilateral action despite ongoing tensions with PAS.
The Registrar of Societies has formally recognised Perikatan Nasional's restructured leadership, marking a significant shift in the coalition's governance following internal reorganisation efforts.
Perikatan Nasional has called an emergency meeting to reassess its coalition membership, organisational branding, and campaign strategies for upcoming state elections in Johor and Negeri Sembilan.

Bersatu's president has reassured the coalition of his party's unwavering allegiance to Perikatan Nasional, dismissing concerns about the bloc's stability and future viability in Malaysian politics.

Bersatu chairman Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz has questioned the utility of the Perikatan Nasional's emergency Supreme Council meeting, suggesting it serves no practical function if its resolutions require subsequent ratification by member parties.

The Perikatan Nasional leadership council will convene to evaluate Bersatu's standing within the coalition at a significant meeting, signalling potential shifts in the regional political alliance.

Bersatu has underscored its pivotal role in establishing Perikatan Nasional, tracing the coalition's origins to Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's vision as tensions simmer between the two parties.

Bersatu vice-president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu has publicly criticised a Perikatan Nasional political ally for breaking partnership ties while attempting to maintain its position within the broader coalition.
Gerakan and MIPP find themselves in precarious positions within Perikatan Nasional as tensions between PAS and Bersatu intensify. Both parties must weigh electoral survival against coalition loyalty.

PAS has terminated its political cooperation with Bersatu as of June 8, creating an unusual situation where the two parties maintain separate political identities while continuing to operate within the same governing framework.
PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang has chosen not to elaborate on recent Perikatan Nasional tensions, instead deferring to a public statement issued by deputy Ahmad Samsuri. The move reflects growing strain within the Islamist-led coalition.

Perikatan Nasional's chief whip has officially notified Parliament of Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin's reappointment to the opposition leadership post, marking a significant development in the coalition's parliamentary strategy.

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul has received formal notification from Perikatan Nasional chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan confirming Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin's reappointment as parliamentary opposition leader.

Tan Sri Annuar Musa has disclosed his unsuccessful efforts to bridge divisions between Pas and fractious Bersatu groups within the Perikatan Nasional coalition, highlighting deepening tensions.

Gerakan's president has stressed the critical importance of maintaining Perikatan Nasional cohesion ahead of forthcoming state elections in Johor and Negeri Sembilan, warning against internal divisions that could weaken the coalition.

Political tensions between PAS and Bersatu within the Perikatan Nasional coalition could undermine efforts to secure a dominant victory in Kedah, according to an analyst's assessment of voter sentiment.
Gerakan and MIPP find themselves in a precarious position as internal tensions within Perikatan Nasional intensify, with Bersatu seeking to consolidate its standing against rival PAS.

Political analysts warn that Bersatu risks election exclusion unless its candidates obtain explicit authorization from Perikatan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, exposing deep coalition fractures.

The Registrar of Societies has officially confirmed Perikatan Nasional's leadership transition, with Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar installed as the coalition's new chairman. The move establishes strict governance protocols.

Datuk Dr Marzuki Mohamad has rejected suggestions that Perikatan Nasional's failure to lead government formation after GE15 stemmed from personal disputes or unwillingness to compromise among top figures.
Bersatu's information chief has accused PAS of lacking authentic dedication to the Perikatan Nasional coalition, suggesting the party should consider departing if unwilling to fully commit to the alliance's direction.
Perikatan Nasional has officially restructured its leadership with the Registrar of Societies confirming new appointments. Samsuri takes the chair role as the coalition completes its organisational overhaul under PAS's direction.

Pas has refuted suggestions it sought to remove Bersatu from Perikatan Nasional, despite mounting strain visible between the two parties within the Opposition alliance.

Perikatan Nasional has mandated that all activities and meetings using the coalition's name must receive explicit approval from chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, following regulatory compliance updates from the Registrar of Societies.

Perikatan Nasional's secretary-general has clarified that all coalition meetings and events must receive the chairman's approval, following reports that Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin attempted to call a PN Supreme Council session.

Perikatan Nasional will tackle internal disputes over logo rights and electoral seat divisions for Johor and Negeri Sembilan at a crucial Supreme Council meeting scheduled for Monday.

Perikatan Nasional's top leadership will gather on June 22 to untangle a web of unresolved disputes centring on logo rights and the approval of electoral candidates, signalling mounting tensions within the opposition coalition.

Perikatan Nasional has declared itself prepared for a potential snap election in 2024, signalling that its campaign operations are fully activated across all organisational tiers, according to leadership statements.

Bersatu's information chief Datuk Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz has publicly called for PAS to exit Perikatan Nasional, recommending the Islamic party either contest independently or establish alternative political partnerships, signalling growing tensions within the coalition.

Analysts predict escalating tensions within Perikatan Nasional after PAS capitalises on its strategic positions to weaken Bersatu's standing, with retaliatory moves anticipated from the smaller coalition partner.

Deepening rifts between PAS and Bersatu within Perikatan Nasional could undermine the coalition's electoral prospects in Kedah, with analysts warning voter confusion may result in lost parliamentary seats.

Perikatan Nasional has restructured its leadership to consolidate coalition strength and better position itself for upcoming political developments, according to party officials.

Perikatan Nasional's chief whip has formally notified the parliament speaker that Hamzah Zainudin will assume the opposition leader role effective immediately, following agreement among 61 opposition lawmakers.

Pas leaders have raised concerns about Bersatu's right to deploy the Perikatan Nasional coalition logo in forthcoming state elections in Johor and Negri Sembilan, insisting only the coalition chairman holds such authority.

Bersatu's information chief has raised concerns about PAS consolidating its influence within Perikatan Nasional, pointing to recent shifts in the coalition's leadership arrangements as evidence of the party's strengthened control.

Bersatu has called on party members to remain calm and supportive of the leadership following political friction with coalition partner PAS that has led to the removal of two senior Bersatu figures from key Perikatan Nasional positions.

Kelantan Bersatu has reacted with composure to Perikatan Nasional's decision to remove Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali and Datuk Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin from its leadership hierarchy, signalling stability within the state branch.

The future of Bersatu within Perikatan Nasional hangs in the balance as the PN supreme council prepares for a crucial vote that will determine the party's status in the opposition coalition.
PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man has affirmed that the Perikatan Nasional coalition intends to pursue its 'Perikatan Plus' political framework even as tensions with coalition partner Bersatu persist, signalling continuity in the bloc's broader strategic direction.
Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has declared the party will maintain its position within Perikatan Nasional, asserting that membership cannot be stripped without consent and defending the party's right to use the coalition's logo.

Finance Minister Annuar Musa has urged Bersatu to exercise restraint and avoid inflammatory rhetoric as Perikatan Nasional confronts escalating internal tensions that threaten coalition stability.

Perikatan Nasional chairman Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar has relieved Azmin Ali of his duties within the coalition's leadership structure, citing preparations for the imminent Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections as the primary reason for the reshuffle.

Perikatan Nasional has removed Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali and Datuk Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin from their leadership positions in a significant coalition reshuffle that signals shifting dynamics within the opposition alliance.

Perikatan Nasional has removed Bersatu vice-president Mohd Radzi Md Jidin and secretary-general Mohamed Azmin Ali from their positions in a significant leadership restructuring timed ahead of state elections in Johor and Negeri Sembilan.

Perikatan Nasional has replaced two Bersatu officials in major reshuffle. PN chairman Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar cited upcoming state elections in Johor and Negeri Sembilan as catalyst for restructuring.

Bersatu party faces potential collapse due to internal conflicts, according to Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal, who criticises president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's management approach and its damaging effects on the Perikatan Nasional coalition.

Senior opposition MP Hamzah was among lawmakers observed at PAS headquarters for a closed-door meeting, signalling intensified political manoeuvring as the Perikatan Nasional coalition experiences turbulence following PAS's decision to sever ties with Bersatu.

Johor's PAS leadership has signalled readiness to contest upcoming polls independently, asserting the party can maintain and grow its political foothold in the state without Bersatu alliance support.

A PAS official has dismissed speculation that the party's internal meeting will determine Bersatu's status within Perikatan Nasional, emphasizing that such decisions demand agreement from all coalition members.

PAS treasurer Iskandar Abdul Samad has expressed confidence that his party would defeat Bersatu if both groups competed directly in elections, suggesting that Perikatan Nasional supporters would ultimately favour PAS.

Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin has reiterated the party's commitment to remaining within Perikatan Nasional, basing the decision on what he describes as broad public acceptance of the coalition.

PAS treasurer Iskandar Abdul Samad has raised serious questions about Bersatu's ability to remain a functional member of Perikatan Nasional, suggesting the party's current position within the coalition has become increasingly problematic.

Perikatan Nasional's information chief has urged party members to exercise restraint and avoid precipitous public statements, stressing that neither PAS nor Bersatu can operate independently within the coalition.

A PAS member of parliament has cautioned Bersatu against fielding candidates in Johor and Negri Sembilan state elections, arguing that direct competition between the two Perikatan parties could inadvertently strengthen Pakatan Harapan's position.

Perikatan Nasional is banking on Hamzah Zainudin's political return to soften the PAS-led coalition's public image ahead of GE16, analysts argue, positioning him as the face of a more moderate alternative.
Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has signalled his party's readiness for an escalating political contest with PAS following their recent parting of ways, marking a significant shift in Malaysia's coalition dynamics.

Escalating tensions between Pas and Bersatu within Perikatan Nasional risk fragmenting the coalition ahead of GE16, potentially alienating voters and weakening its competitive position against rival blocs.

Political analysts warn that Perikatan Nasional risks unravelling as internal tensions between PAS and Bersatu escalate beyond public disputes into what researchers characterise as prolonged strategic conflict.

PAS has escalated tensions within the Perikatan Nasional coalition, demanding that Bersatu either remain committed to their partnership or leave to contest independently. The ultimatum reflects deepening fractures in Malaysia's opposition bloc.

PAS has criticised Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's announcement that Bersatu will deploy the Perikatan Nasional coalition logo in forthcoming Johor and Negri Sembilan state elections, calling the statement hasty without proper consultation.

Bersatu's deputy leadership has expressed frustration over the absence of coordination within the Perikatan Nasional coalition ahead of Johor polls, suggesting the party may pursue its own electoral strategy.

Bersatu is proceeding with campaign preparations for the Johor and Negeri Sembilan elections alongside Ikatan Prihatin Rakyat, after Perikatan Nasional's leadership failed to arrange a strategic coordination meeting.

Bersatu's information chief has launched a sharp rebuke against Perikatan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, alleging dereliction of duty during the coalition's current instability and questioning his leadership commitment.

PAS and Bersatu are locked in a power struggle over Perikatan Nasional's direction, with political experts noting the coalition's brand holds significantly greater appeal with voters than either party's individual symbols.

Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia has confirmed it will remain within Perikatan Nasional and field candidates in upcoming Johor and Negri Sembilan elections under the coalition's unified branding, party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced.

PAS faces potential backlash from moderate voters if it pursues removing Bersatu from the Perikatan Nasional coalition, according to political analysts monitoring the opposition alliance.
Bersatu has reaffirmed its commitment to remain within the Perikatan Nasional coalition, pledging to contest the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections using the PN logo despite recent tensions with coalition partner PAS.

Two Pakatan Harapan representatives have downplayed expectations of a sweeping electoral victory for Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, arguing that voters focus on governance performance rather than political momentum.

Former Prime Minister Muhyiddin has indicated Bersatu's determination to engage PAS in comprehensive political competition, while reaffirming the party's participation in forthcoming state elections under the Perikatan Nasional umbrella.