Support for Wan Rosdy shows Bersatu rethinking strategy, says analyst

Analyst Azmi Hassan noted that the endorsement of Pahang Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail by two Bersatu assemblymen is noteworthy, considering that Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin also supported him. In an interview with FMT, Syaza Shukri of International Islamic University Malaysia suggested that this shift could indicate a change in Bersatu's strategy following its failure to challenge Umno's dominance in Malay politics, especially after its losses in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan elections.

However, she also cautioned that closer ties with Umno might lead to Bersatu being viewed as merely a junior partner while both parties vie for the same Malay political base.

Kuala Sentul assemblyman Jasri Jamaludin and Lepar assemblyman Yazid Yunus had previously declared their support for Wan Rosdy, citing the need to maintain political stability in Pahang. Azmi Hassan pointed out that this backing is significant as it was endorsed by Muhyiddin, the Bersatu president, and should be viewed in the context of Bersatu's weakened position within Pahang Perikatan Nasional, where they hold only two assemblymen compared to PAS's 15.

PAS has severed political ties with Bersatu, though both parties remain part of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition.

Bersatu's increasing cornering within the coalition was emphasized by Azmi Hassan, suggesting that the move might not be solely about constituency allocations, as such grievances could have led to a change in position earlier, as seen with some Bersatu MPs at the federal level. The analyst also noted that this development could be an early signal that Bersatu wants to explore ties with the unity government, particularly Pakatan Harapan (PH), especially within the context of Pahang's 42-seat assembly, which is currently governed by a unity administration comprising Barisan Nasional (BN) and PH, with BN holding 17 seats and PH having eight, giving the coalition a 25-seat majority.