# Malaysian Political Topics Report **Date Generated:** 2026-01-08 --- ## Executive Summary The Malaysian political landscape this week (Jan 1-8, 2026) is dominated by **five major developments**: 1. **PN Leadership Crisis** - PAS is set to take over as Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman, with Ahmad Samsuri emerging as the leading candidate after Muhyiddin's resignation offer 2. **Bersatu Internal Conflict** - Saifuddin Abdullah was expelled from Bersatu for publicly criticizing party president Muhyiddin 3. **UMNO Youth vs Leadership Tensions** - Dr Akmal Saleh's push for UMNO to leave the Madani government and partner with PAS has been rejected by party leadership, sparking internal conflict 4. **PM Term Limit Reform** - Anwar's government announced plans to introduce a bill limiting PM tenure to two terms (10 years maximum) 5. **Tun Mahathir's Health** - The 100-year-old former PM was hospitalized at IJN after suffering a hip fracture from a fall **Total Political Articles This Week:** 1,052 (high-confidence score > 0.99) --- ## Top Political Topics ### 1. PN Leadership Transition & PAS Taking Over **Overview:** Following Muhyiddin Yassin's offer to step down as PN chairman, PAS has finalized a candidate for the role. Ahmad Samsuri (Terengganu MB) is the frontrunner, though analysts warn he may be seen as a "puppet" for the larger parties. **Key Headlines:** - [PAS finalises candidate for PN chief but questions linger](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765165) - Jan 8 - [Samsuri as PN chief could be seen as a puppet, say analysts](https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/01/08/samsuri-as-pn-chief-could-be-seen-as-a-puppet-say-analysts) - Jan 8 - [Hadi: Pas to pick PN chief candidate next week, not from Bersatu](https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/1349025/hadi-pas-pick-pn-chief-candidate-next-week-not-bersatu) - Jan 2 - [Hadi: PAS ready to take over PN, leader to be discussed soon](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/764735) - Jan 2 - [Is Dr Ahmad Samsuri the next PN chief?](https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/1351515/dr-ahmad-samsuri-next-pn-chief) - Jan 6 - [Muhyiddin-Samsuri meeting had Hadi's blessing, says PAS MP](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/764999) - Jan 6 - [[UPDATED] Muhyiddin: I'm still Bersatu president, party loyal to PN](https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/1348996/updated-muhyiddin-im-still-bersatu-president-party-loyal-pn) - Jan 2 **Key Figures:** Abdul Hadi Awang (PAS President), Muhyiddin Yassin (Bersatu President), Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar (Terengganu MB), Sanusi Md Nor (Kedah MB) --- ### 2. Bersatu Expels Saifuddin Abdullah **Overview:** Bersatu sacked Supreme Council member Saifuddin Abdullah with immediate effect on January 6 for breaching party constitution by publicly criticizing party president Muhyiddin and calling for his resignation. **Key Headlines:** - [Bersatu sacks Saifuddin Abdullah effective today](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765019) - Jan 6 - [Bersatu sacks Saifuddin Abdullah](https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/06/bersatu-sacks-saifuddin-abdullah) - Jan 6 - [Bersatu sacks senior leader Saifuddin Abdullah over public criticism of party president](https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/117881/bersatu-sacks-senior-leader-saifuddin-abdullah-over-public-criticism-of-party-president) - Jan 7 - [Pemecatan Saifuddin bercanggah prinsip perlembagaan parti, kata pemimpin Bersatu](https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/bahasa/tempatan/2026/01/07/pemecatan-saifuddin-bercanggah-prinsip-perlembagaan-parti-kata-pemimpin-bersatu) - Jan 7 - [Pecat Saifuddin bukti Muhyiddin mahu hakis pengaruh Hamzah, kata penganalisis](https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/bahasa/tempatan/2026/01/08/pecat-saifuddin-bukti-muhyiddin-mahu-hakis-pengaruh-hamzah-kata-penganalisis) - Jan 8 **Key Figures:** Saifuddin Abdullah (Indera Mahkota MP), Muhyiddin Yassin, Hamzah Zainudin --- ### 3. UMNO Youth vs Party Leadership - Akmal's Push to Leave Madani Government **Overview:** UMNO Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh organized a special convention proposing that UMNO leave the Madani unity government and partner with PAS instead. The proposal was firmly rejected by UMNO President Zahid Hamidi and senior leadership. Akmal hinted at resignation but party leadership dismissed it as a "political gimmick." **Key Headlines:** - [Zahid tells Umno Youth to accept criticism, Akmal hits back on principles](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765170) - Jan 8 - [Akmal's resignation hint just a political gimmick, say analysts](https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/01/08/akmals-resignation-hint-just-a-political-gimmick-say-analysts) - Jan 8 - [Accept rejection, Johor Umno Youth chief advises Akmal](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765075) - Jan 7 - [Akmal perlu matang terima realiti politik, kata Pemuda Umno Johor](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765081) - Jan 7 - ['Jangan takut jadi pembangkang' - Akmal gesa Umno tinggalkan k'jaan perpaduan](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/764810) - Jan 3 - [Umno Youth to propose leaving Madani govt, partnering PAS](https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/03/umno-youth-to-propose-leaving-madani-govt-partnering-pas) - Jan 3 - [BN tolak 'tebuk atap', kekal bersama Kerajaan Perpaduan - Ahmad Zahid](https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/762950/berita/politik/bn-tolak-tebuk-atap-kekal-bersama-kerajaan-perpaduan---ahmad-zahid) - Jan 6 - [PH puji Umno kekal dengan Madani, sifatkan keputusan 'politik matang'](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765005) - Jan 6 **Key Figures:** Dr Akmal Saleh (UMNO Youth Chief), Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (UMNO President), Ahmad Maslan (UMNO Secretary-General) --- ### 4. PM Term Limit Bill **Overview:** PM Anwar Ibrahim announced plans to introduce a bill limiting the Prime Minister's tenure to a maximum of two terms (10 years). The proposal has received broad support, with some calling for similar limits on state MBs. **Key Headlines:** - [RUU pemisahan pendakwa raya-AG, had penggal PM dibentang tahun ini](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/764883) - Jan 5 - [Bersih sambut baik keputusan Anwar perkenalkan had penggal PM](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/764914) - Jan 5 - [Analysts: 'PM term limit will ensure fresh ideas, political stability'](https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/1351906/analysts-pm-term-limit-will-ensure-fresh-ideas-political-stability) - Jan 6 - [DPM: Term limit ushers in significant renewal within the country's political system](https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/117855/dpm-term-limit-ushers-in-significant-renewal-within-the-countrys-political-system) - Jan 6 - [DAP S'wak welcomes PM term limit, says earlier move could have prevented Mahathir-era abuses, 1MDB scandal](https://dayakdaily.com/dap-swak-welcomes-pm-term-limit-says-earlier-move-could-have-prevented-mahathir-era-abuses-1mdb-scandal/) - Jan 6 - [Had tempoh jawatan MB perlu pindaan Undang-Undang Tubuh Kerajaan Negeri](https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/763283/edisi/perak/had-tempoh-jawatan-mb-perlu-pindaan-undang-undang-tubuh-kerajaan-negeri) - Jan 8 **Key Figures:** Anwar Ibrahim (PM), Azalina Othman Said (Minister), Fadillah Yusof (DPM) --- ### 5. Tun Mahathir Hospitalized **Overview:** Former PM Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (100) was rushed to Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) on January 6 after falling at his residence. He suffered a right hip fracture and doctors advised against surgery due to his advanced age. He is expected to remain hospitalized for several weeks. **Key Headlines:** - [Tun Dr Mahathir hospitalised at IJN](https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/117854/tun-dr-mahathir-hospitalised-at-ijn) - Jan 6 - [Dr Mahathir suffers hip fracture, expected to remain at IJN for several weeks](https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/06/dr-mahathir-suffers-hip-fracture-expected-to-remain-at-ijn-for-several-weeks/204529) - Jan 6 - [Doktor nasihati Mahathir tak jalani pembedahan kerana faktor usia](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765092) - Jan 7 - [Mukhriz: Surgery not recommended for Dr Mahathir's fractured hip due to age](https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/07/mukhriz-surgery-not-recommended-for-dr-mahathirs-fractured-hip-due-to-age/204606) - Jan 7 - [Mahathir to seek adjournment of lawsuit hearing against Anwar after hospitalisation](https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/117946/mahathir-to-seek-adjournment-of-lawsuit-hearing-against-anwar-after-hospitalisation) - Jan 8 - [Family of Malaysian ex-leader Mahathir says broken hip serious but not life-threatening](https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/family-malaysian-leader-mahathir-broken-hip-life-threatening-128972553) - Jan 8 **Key Figures:** Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Mukhriz Mahathir (son), Marina Mahathir (daughter) --- ### 6. Perlis State Government Crisis **Overview:** The Perlis state government under Bersatu MB Syed Abu Bakar appointed 4 Bersatu assemblymen to the state exco, while PAS refused to participate despite being invited. Three former PAS ADUNs (expelled from party) filed a lawsuit against the Perlis Speaker to declare their seats vacant. The Raja of Perlis reminded ADUNs to prioritize the people over party interests. **Key Headlines:** - [Four Bersatu assemblymen sworn in as Perlis exco members](https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/08/four-bersatu-assemblymen-sworn-in-as-perlis-exco-members/204668) - Jan 8 - [PAS tegur MB Perlis: Macam nak tarik Adun kita...](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765163) - Jan 8 - [Raja Perlis titah ADUN utamakan rakyat, negeri berbanding parti](https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/763274/edisi/utara/raja-perlis-titah-adun-utamakan-rakyat-negeri-berbanding-parti) - Jan 8 - [No Perlis exco posts for PAS reps, party insists](https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/01/07/no-perlis-exco-posts-for-pas-reps-party-insists) - Jan 7 - [Tiga bekas Adun Perlis saman Speaker DUN](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/764761) - Jan 2 **Key Figures:** Syed Abu Bakar Almutahar (Perlis MB), Raja Perlis --- ### 7. Muafakat Nasional Revival Discussions **Overview:** Some UMNO Youth leaders and PAS politicians have floated the idea of reviving Muafakat Nasional (the UMNO-PAS alliance). However, UMNO leadership has not formally considered this, and Pakatan Harapan allies have cautioned against inviting PAS into the unity government. **Key Headlines:** - [UMNO leadership yet to consider revival of Muafakat Nasional ties with PAS](https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/117710/umno-leadership-yet-to-consider-revival-of-muafakat-nasional-ties-with-pas) - Jan 2 - [PAS ready to work with UMNO in MN - Shahidan](https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/117766/pas-ready-to-work-with-umno-in-mn-shahidan) - Jan 4 - [Muafakat sebenar perlu gabungkan UMNO, Bersatu, Pas - Wan Saiful](https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/762568/berita/politik/muafakat-sebenar-perlu-gabungkan-umno-bersatu-pas-ndash-wan-saiful) - Jan 2 - [Sorotan perpecahan pakatan Melayu Umno, PAS dan Bersatu](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/764857) - Jan 5 - [Hanipa ingatkan pemimpin Amanah berhati-hati kritik PAS](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/764822) - Jan 4 - [Be cautious about inviting PAS to join govt, says Amanah Youth exco](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/764786) - Jan 3 **Key Figures:** Shahidan Kassim (PAS), Wan Saiful Wan Jan (Bersatu), Ahmad Zahid Hamidi --- ## Article Counts by Date | Date | Political Articles (Score > 0.99) | |------|-----------------------------------| | Jan 8, 2026 | 83 | | Jan 7, 2026 | 154 | | Jan 6, 2026 | 230 | | Jan 5, 2026 | 184 | | Jan 4, 2026 | 122 | | Jan 3, 2026 | 124 | | Jan 2, 2026 | 144 | | Jan 1, 2026 | 11 | | **Total** | **1,052** | --- ## Key Political Figures Mentioned This Week | Name | Role | Context | |------|------|---------| | Anwar Ibrahim | Prime Minister | PM term limit announcement | | Ahmad Zahid Hamidi | UMNO President / DPM | Rejected Akmal's proposal, reaffirmed BN stays with Madani | | Dr Akmal Saleh | UMNO Youth Chief | Pushed for UMNO to leave unity govt, clashed with Zahid | | Abdul Hadi Awang | PAS President | PAS to take over PN leadership | | Muhyiddin Yassin | Bersatu President | Offered to resign as PN chair, expelled Saifuddin | | Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar | Terengganu MB | Frontrunner for PN chairman | | Saifuddin Abdullah | Former Bersatu Supreme Council | Expelled from Bersatu | | Tun Dr Mahathir | Former PM | Hospitalized with hip fracture | | Syed Abu Bakar Almutahar | Perlis MB | Formed Bersatu-only exco | | Anthony Loke | DAP Secretary-General | Advised DAP members not to be provoked | --- *Report generated from Malaysian News Summary database on 2026-01-08* --- ## Update: Latest Developments (January 8, 2026 - Afternoon) ### PN Leadership - Meeting Tomorrow PAS has finalized their candidate for the PN chairman position. A crucial PN meeting is scheduled for **tomorrow (January 9)** to formally discuss and appoint the new chairman following Muhyiddin's resignation offer. **Latest Headlines:** - [PN to convene meeting on new chairman tomorrow following Muhyiddin's resignation](https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/117944/pn-to-convene-meeting-on-new-chairman-tomorrow-following-muhyiddins-resignation) - Jan 8 - [PAS has decided who the new PN chairman will be](https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/117918/pas-has-decided-who-the-new-pn-chairman-will-be) - Jan 8 - [Samsuri as PN chief could be seen as a puppet, say analysts](https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/01/08/samsuri-as-pn-chief-could-be-seen-as-a-puppet-say-analysts) - Jan 8 - [Pengerusi PN: Dr Sam perlu elak jadi boneka](https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/bahasa/tempatan/2026/01/08/pengerusi-pn-dr-sam-perlu-elak-jadi-boneka) - Jan 8 ### Akmal-Zahid Clash Intensifies The tension between UMNO Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh and UMNO President Zahid Hamidi escalated today. Zahid publicly told youth leaders to accept criticism, while Akmal responded that "criticism and principles are two different things" and his principles "will not shift even an inch." **Latest Headlines:** - [Zahid tells Umno Youth to accept criticism, Akmal hits back on principles](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765170) - Jan 8 - [Criticism and principles are two different things, says Akmal](https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/01/08/criticism-and-principles-are-2-different-things-says-akmal) - Jan 8 - [Akmal's resignation hint just a political gimmick, say analysts](https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/01/08/akmals-resignation-hint-just-a-political-gimmick-say-analysts) - Jan 8 - ['Akmal sekadar merajuk manja, ibarat anak tak dapat coklat'](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765182) - Jan 8 - [Akmal resigning never crossed my mind, says Zahid](https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/01/08/akmal-resigning-never-crossed-my-mind-says-zahid) - Jan 8 ### Perlis Exco Sworn In Four Bersatu assemblymen were officially sworn in as Perlis state exco members today. MB Syed Abu Bakar Almutahar holds six portfolios himself. PAS declined to participate despite being offered positions. The Raja of Perlis reminded ADUNs to prioritize the people over party interests. **Latest Headlines:** - [Four Bersatu assemblymen sworn in as Perlis exco members](https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/08/four-bersatu-assemblymen-sworn-in-as-perlis-exco-members/204668) - Jan 8 - [Empat ADUN Bersatu angkat sumpah Exco Perlis, Abu Bakar galas enam portfolio](https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/763254/edisi/utara/empat-adun-bersatu-angkat-sumpah-exco-perlis-abu-bakar-galas-enam-portfolio) - Jan 8 - [Raja Perlis ingatkan ADUN jangan penting diri, beri keutamaan pada rakyat berbanding parti](https://www.utusan.com.my/berita/2026/01/raja-perlis-ingatkan-adun-jangan-penting-diri-beri-keutamaan-pada-rakyat-berbanding-parti/) - Jan 8 ### Sabah By-Elections The Election Commission (SPR) advised potential candidates for the upcoming Kinabatangan and Lamag by-elections to conduct early verification. PIS (Parti Islam SeSabah) announced they will not contest these by-elections. **Latest Headlines:** - [PRK Kinabatangan, Lamag: SPR saran bakal calon buat semakan awal](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765162) - Jan 8 - [PIS will not contest Kinabatangan, Lamag by-elections](https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/08/pis-will-not-contest-kinabatangan-lamag-by-elections) - Jan 8 ### Saifuddin Abdullah Expulsion Analysis Analysts suggest the expulsion of Saifuddin Abdullah was aimed at reducing Hamzah Zainudin's influence within Bersatu. PN supporters are reportedly "fed up" with the party's internal conflicts. **Latest Headlines:** - [Bersatu leaders sacked, suspended to reduce Hamzah's influence, say analysts](https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/01/08/bersatu-leaders-sacked-suspended-to-reduce-hamzahs-influence-say-analysts) - Jan 8 - [Pecat Saifuddin bukti Muhyiddin mahu hakis pengaruh Hamzah, kata penganalisis](https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/bahasa/tempatan/2026/01/08/pecat-saifuddin-bukti-muhyiddin-mahu-hakis-pengaruh-hamzah-kata-penganalisis) - Jan 8 ### Tun Mahathir Update Mahathir's family confirmed his condition is "serious but not life-threatening." He will seek an adjournment of his ongoing lawsuit hearing against PM Anwar due to his hospitalization. **Latest Headlines:** - [Family of Malaysian ex-leader Mahathir says broken hip serious but not life-threatening](https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/family-malaysian-leader-mahathir-broken-hip-life-threatening-128972553) - Jan 8 - [Mahathir to seek adjournment of lawsuit hearing against Anwar after hospitalisation](https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/117946/mahathir-to-seek-adjournment-of-lawsuit-hearing-against-anwar-after-hospitalisation) - Jan 8 --- ## Updated Article Counts | Date | Political Articles (Score > 0.99) | |------|-----------------------------------| | Jan 8, 2026 | 1,024 (growing) | | Jan 7, 2026 | 1,948 | | Jan 6, 2026 | 2,067 | | Jan 5, 2026 | 1,997 | | Jan 4, 2026 | 1,598 | | Jan 3, 2026 | 1,579 | | Jan 2, 2026 | 1,690 | | Jan 1, 2026 | 255 | | **Total (7 days)** | **12,158** | --- *Updated: 2026-01-08 (Afternoon)*