Bersatu Leaders Discuss Cooperating With Opposition Parties To Challenge Barisan Nasional

Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia's top brass is keen on joining a big tent alliance with opposition parties to mount a challenge to UMNO-led Barisan Nasional and unseat Prime Minister Ismail Sabri even before the next general election, party sources told Malay Mail.

• "Speaking anonymously, the sources said the proposal was among issues discussed during the party's Supreme Council meeting last week and had even included the possibility of allying with former allies-turned-rivals in Pakatan Harapan (PH)."
• The report suggests that some of Bersatu leaders opposed the idea on the grounds of lack of certainty that the party will appoint the next Prime Minister from its ranks, as it sets its sights on the top job.
• There is speculation that some member parties of Pakatan Harapan would oppose the idea, chiefly PKR whose leaders had previously ruled out teaming up with Bersatu and would prefer to cooperate with other PH members or within an extended "PH Plus" format.
• Tensions keep boiling within the ruling coalition as Prime Minister Ismail Sabri is dragging his feet on the removal of Zuraida Kamaruddin from his Cabinet after she left Bersatu. The party's leader and former Premire Muhyiddin is awaiting a meeting with Ismail Sabri to discuss the matter.