Razali trying to position himself as PAS-friendly, says analyst

Razali Idris, who represents the Kijal assembly, announced his resignation as Terengganu Bersatu chairman on Thursday, without providing any reason behind the decision. According to political analyst Mazlan Ali from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Razali's move is aimed at positioning himself as someone who is "friendly with PAS" in the midst of the ongoing tension between the two parties in Perikatan Nasional.

Ali believes that Razali's decision to stay in Bersatu is a "tactical move" to ensure that his Kijal seat is not lost under the anti-hopping law. Furthermore, this decision also allows Razali to continue serving as an executive councillor in the PAS-led state government. Razali confirmed that he would also be stepping down as head of the Marang division in mid-September.

In June, the Terengganu Menteri Besar, Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, had stated that he would keep Razali as the only Bersatu representative in the state executive council, even though PAS had ended its political collaboration with the party. Global Asia Consulting's Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri suggested that Razali's decision to relinquish his leadership positions in Terengganu Bersatu could be interpreted as a strategy to secure his political future.

However, this move may be seen as Razali "bending over backwards" to please PAS, according to Sani Ahmad Sabri. Sani Ahmad Sabri also pointed out that Samsuri's choice to keep Razali in his government in June highlighted PAS's dominance and influence in Terengganu. Nevertheless, Sani Ahmad Sabri questioned the voters' right to query why PAS would retain Razali in the state government, given that the ties between the two parties have officially severed.