{
  "id": 5671394,
  "title": "To curtail PAS’s influence, PH must work with Bersatu, say analysts",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/to-curtail-pass-influence-ph-must-work-with-bersatu-say-analysts-5671394",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-04T23:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/09/05/to-curtail-pas-s-influence-ph-must-work-with-bersatu-say-analysts"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Political analysts argue that Pakatan Harapan (PH) must collaborate with Bersatu, particularly former Selangor menteri besar Azmin Ali's network, in order to limit the growing influence of PAS and preserve the state. Azmi Hassan from Akademi Nusantara notes that PH's performance in Selangor has diminished since 2018, with Perikatan Nasional (PN) securing 12 seats for Bersatu and 10 for PAS in the 2023 election. In contrast, PH managed to win 34 seats, falling short of the 38 required for a two-thirds majority. PH's decline is attributed partly to PAS's strategic focus on Selangor as a pathway to Putrajaya. The breakdown in ties between PAS and Bersatu in June has further underscored the need for PH and Bersatu to cooperate. Azmin Ali, as a former menteri besar and PH's secretary-general, is seen as a crucial figure in Selangor politics. PH has a strong incentive to work with Bersatu, or Azmin's faction, to bolster its position in the state, as a joint effort would benefit both parties.",
  "summary": "Azmi Hassan says a PH-Bersatu alliance will be a win-win for both parties, while Mazlan Ali says cooperation can help neutralise the threat posed by the close relationship between BN and PAS.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "To curtail PAS’s influence, PH must work with Bersatu, say analysts",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/to-curtail-pass-influence-ph-must-work-with-bersatu-say-analysts",
        "published": "2026-09-04T23:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}