{
  "id": 9695006,
  "title": "Perikatan partners not breaking up over Tasek Gelugor seat issue, says analyst",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/perikatan-partners-not-breaking-up-over-tasek-gelugor-seat-issue-says",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-25T04:05:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/09/1540817/perikatan-partners-not-breaking-over-tasek-gelugor-seat-issue-says"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "George Town: Senior political analyst Professor Datuk Dr P. Sivamurugan stated that tensions between Pas and Bersatu do not necessarily foreshadow a break-up of the Perikatan coalition. The dispute over seat allocation, specifically in the Tasek Gelugor parliamentary seat, reflects internal power dynamics rather than a complete split, according to Sivamurugan. He emphasized that the disagreement signals growing tensions among coalition partners and the balance of power rather than an immediate break-up. Sivamurugan identified the Tasek Gelugor seat issue as a critical benchmark for the coalition, highlighting how partners manage competing claims among component parties. While Pas is becoming more assertive, the boycott threat remains localized and does not necessarily represent the final decision of the party leadership. The boycott should be taken seriously as a grassroots position but is not a definitive move by the party. Sivamurugan also discussed the potential expansion of Pas into Penang, stating that success would depend on candidate strength, local machinery, voter composition, and whether opposition parties remain divided. Despite the friction, he noted that there is a strong incentive for the component parties to remain aligned. Pas may seek greater autonomy in seat negotiations, but maintaining collaboration provides the coalition with an established electoral platform and partners. The real test, according to Sivamurugan, is whether they can resolve seat allocation without damaging cooperation on the ground. He responded to a statement by the Pas Lahar Yooi branch, which demanded the right to contest the Tasek Gelugor seat against PH in GE16. The branch threatened to close its election operations room and Voting District Centre, with members and supporters boycotting GE16 if a non-Pas candidate was fielded. The branch highlighted the electoral strength of its UDM in the Sungai Dua state constituency, contributing more than 1,000 votes in the last general election.",
  "summary": "GEORGE TOWN: Tensions between Pas and Bersatu do not signal an immediate break-up of the coalition, senior political analyst Professor Datuk Dr P. Sivamurugan said.",
  "key_points": [
    "Tasek Gelugor seat dispute reflects internal power dynamics, not break-up of Perikatan coalition.",
    "Pas becoming more assertive, but boycott threat localized, not definitive party decision."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The dispute over the Tasek Gelugor seat reveals growing tensions and a shift in internal power dynamics within the Perikatan coalition, but does not necessarily threaten the partnership's overall stability.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}