# Malaysian Political Topics Analysis **Date:** 10 January 2026 --- ## Executive Summary The Malaysian political landscape this week is dominated by **internal party conflicts** and **leadership struggles** across the opposition and ruling coalitions. Key developments include: 1. **Bersatu internal purge** - Saifuddin Abdullah's expulsion and disciplinary actions against division chiefs linked to Hamzah Zainudin's faction 2. **UMNO Youth crisis** - Dr Akmal Saleh's controversial push to leave the unity government and potential resignation drama 3. **PN leadership vacuum** - Ongoing debate about who will succeed Muhyiddin as Perikatan Nasional chairman 4. **Sabah by-elections** - Nomination day for Kinabatangan and Lamag seats with three-cornered and straight fights respectively 5. **Tun Dr Mahathir's health** - The 100-year-old former PM hospitalized with a fractured hip 6. **PM term limit reform** - Government moves forward with legislation to cap PM tenure at 10 years --- ## Top Political Topics ### 1. Bersatu Internal Crisis: Saifuddin Abdullah Expulsion Bersatu expelled former Foreign Minister **Saifuddin Abdullah** on 6 January, with the party citing disciplinary violations. The expulsion has sparked controversy within the party: - Saifuddin claims he was denied a fair hearing and chance to confront Muhyiddin - Analysts say the move aims to reduce influence of **Hamzah Zainudin's faction** - Bersatu Indera Mahkota (Saifuddin's division) has publicly expressed regret at the "unjust" sacking - Six Perak division chiefs who demanded Muhyiddin resign have been called up by the disciplinary board **Key Headlines:** - [Bersatu sacks Saifuddin Abdullah](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765019) (6 Jan) - [Bersatu Indera Mahkota kesal pemecatan Saifuddin](https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/763460/berita/politik/bersatu-indera-mahkota-kesal-pemecatan-saifuddin) (10 Jan) - [Saifuddin claims Bersatu denied him fair trial, chance to confront Muhyiddin](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765071) (7 Jan) - [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) (8 Jan) - [Desak Muhyiddin letak jawatan: 6 Ketua Bahagian Bersatu terima surat lembaga disiplin](https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/763433/berita/politik/desak-muhyiddin-letak-jawatan-6-ketua-bahagian-bersatu-terima-surat-lembaga-disiplin) (9 Jan) --- ### 2. UMNO Youth Drama: Akmal's Call to Leave Unity Government UMNO Youth chief **Dr Akmal Saleh** has stirred controversy by proposing UMNO leave the unity government (Kerajaan Madani) and partner with PAS instead. The situation has evolved into a resignation drama: - Akmal urged UMNO to "not fear being in opposition" - UMNO President Ahmad Zahid firmly rejected the proposal, saying BN will remain with the unity government - Johor UMNO Youth leaders advised Akmal to accept the political reality - Speculation swirled about Akmal resigning, but UMNO Secretary-General Asyraf Wajdi confirmed no resignation letter received - Akmal will announce his position at the UMNO General Assembly next week **Key Headlines:** - ['Jangan takut jadi pembangkang' - Akmal gesa Umno tinggalkan k'jaan perpaduan](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/764810) (3 Jan) - [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) (6 Jan) - [Accept rejection, Johor Umno Youth chief advises Akmal](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765075) (7 Jan) - [Akmal to resign as Umno Youth chief, Merlimau rep?](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765229) (9 Jan) - [Akmal not resigning as Umno Youth chief](https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/1353587/akmal-not-resigning-umno-youth-chief) (9 Jan) - [Akmal to announce his position in party, Melaka govt at Umno AGM](https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/1353901/akmal-announce-his-position-party-melaka-govt-umno-agm) (10 Jan) --- ### 3. Perikatan Nasional Leadership Battle Following Muhyiddin Yassin's offer to resign as PN chairman, the coalition faces a leadership vacuum with conflicting positions: - **PAS faction** insists the chair must go to an ulama leader - either Hadi Awang or Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man - Terengganu MB **Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar** emerged as a potential candidate after meeting with Muhyiddin - Some analysts suggest the meeting had Hadi's blessing - Bersatu's supreme council has yet to formally accept Muhyiddin's resignation - Analysts warn of internal plots to block Samsuri's candidacy **Key Headlines:** - [Is Dr Ahmad Samsuri the next PN chief?](https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/1351515/dr-ahmad-samsuri-next-pn-chief) (6 Jan) - [Muhyiddin-Samsuri meeting had Hadi's blessing, says PAS MP](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/764999) (6 Jan) - [PN chair must be Hadi or Tuan Ibrahim, says PAS leader](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765267) (9 Jan) - [PAS finalises candidate for PN chief but questions linger](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765165) (8 Jan) - [Supreme council yet to accept Muhyiddin's resignation](https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/10/supreme-council-yet-to-accept-muhyiddins-resignation) (10 Jan) - [Plot brewing to stop Samsuri from heading PN?](https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/01/10/plot-brewing-to-stop-samsuri-from-heading-pn) (10 Jan) --- ### 4. Sabah By-Elections: Kinabatangan & Lamag Nomination day was held today (10 January) for two crucial Sabah by-elections: **Kinabatangan (Parliament):** - Three-cornered fight: BN vs Warisan vs Independent - BN candidate: Datuk Mohd Naim (former MB Seri Gading) - Previously held by the late Datuk Mohamad Alamin (Bersatu) **Lamag (State Assembly):** - Straight fight: BN vs Warisan - Falls under Kinabatangan parliamentary constituency **Key Headlines:** - [Three-cornered fight for Kinabatangan seat, straight contest for Lamag](https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/01/1353849/updated-three-cornered-fight-kinabatangan-seat-straight-contest-lamag) (10 Jan) - [PRK Parlimen Kinabatangan, DUN Lamag buka tirai esok](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765218) (9 Jan) - [BN vows political stability, continued development in Kinabatangan, Lamag](https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/01/1353869/bn-vows-political-stability-continued-development-kinabatangan-lamag) (10 Jan) - [Federal Court denies Bersatu's bid to challenge Sabah parliamentary seat rulings](https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/117993/federal-court-denies-bersatus-bid-to-challenge-sabah-parliamentary-seat-rulings) (9 Jan) --- ### 5. Tun Dr Mahathir's Health Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (100 years old) was hospitalized at Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) after a fall at home: - Suffered a fractured right hip - Doctors advised against surgery; will undergo physiotherapy instead - Family says the injury is serious but not life-threatening - Turkish President Erdogan expressed concern during PM Anwar's visit to Turkiye - Mahathir seeking adjournment of his lawsuit against Anwar due to hospitalization **Key Headlines:** - [Tun Dr Mahathir hospitalised at IJN](https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/117854/tun-dr-mahathir-hospitalised-at-ijn) (6 Jan) - [Tun Dr Mahathir disahkan mengalami patah tulang pada bahagian pinggul kanan](https://b.cari.com.my/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=5525601) (7 Jan) - [Doctors advise against surgery for Dr M's fractured hip](https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/01/07/doctors-advise-against-surgery-for-dr-ms-fractured-hip) (7 Jan) - [Dr M to undergo physio for fractured hip, no surgery](https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/01/10/dr-m-to-undergo-physio-for-fractured-hip-no-surgery) (10 Jan) - [Erdogan expresses concern over Dr Mahathir's health during Anwar's Turkiye visit](https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/09/erdogan-expresses-concern-over-dr-mahathirs-health-during-anwars-turkiye-visit/204722) (9 Jan) --- ### 6. PM Term Limit Reform The government announced plans to table a bill limiting the Prime Minister's tenure to 10 years (maximum two terms): - PM Anwar Ibrahim proposed the reform as part of the Madani reform agenda - Bersih welcomed the move as strengthening democratic institutions - Minister Azalina to meet political party leaders to discuss the bill - Some analysts warn it could deprive the nation of capable leaders - Debate on whether the limit should apply to state MBs as well **Key Headlines:** - [Bersih sambut baik keputusan Anwar perkenalkan had penggal PM](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/764914) (5 Jan) - [RUU pemisahan pendakwa raya-AG, had penggal PM dibentang tahun ini](https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/764883) (5 Jan) - [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) (6 Jan) - [RUU had tempoh jawatan PM: Kerajaan adakan perjumpaan dengan ketua parti politik - Azalina](https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/762875/berita/nasional/ruu-had-tempoh-jawatan-pm-kerajaan-adakan-perjumpaan-dengan-ketua-parti-politik---azalina) (5 Jan) - [Chong: 10-year PM term limit a crucial systemic check on power](https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/01/07/chong-10-year-pm-term-limit-a-crucial-systemic-check-on-power/) (7 Jan) --- ## Political Article Trends (Last 14 Days) | Date | Political Articles | |------|-------------------| | 10 Jan 2026 | 155 (partial day) | | 9 Jan 2026 | 1,272 | | 8 Jan 2026 | 1,350 | | 7 Jan 2026 | 1,277 | | 6 Jan 2026 | 1,422 | | 5 Jan 2026 | 1,330 | | 4 Jan 2026 | 902 | | 3 Jan 2026 | 908 | | 2 Jan 2026 | 953 | | 1 Jan 2026 | 842 | | 31 Dec 2025 | 1,126 | | 30 Dec 2025 | 1,441 | | 29 Dec 2025 | 1,189 | | 28 Dec 2025 | 979 | --- ## Key Political Figures Mentioned | Name | Role | Context | |------|------|---------| | **Ahmad Zahid Hamidi** | UMNO President, DPM | Rejected Akmal's proposal to leave unity govt | | **Dr Akmal Saleh** | UMNO Youth Chief | Controversial call to leave Madani, possible resignation | | **Muhyiddin Yassin** | Bersatu President, former PM | Offered to resign as PN chair; disciplinary actions against critics | | **Saifuddin Abdullah** | Former Foreign Minister | Expelled from Bersatu | | **Hadi Awang** | PAS President | Key figure in PN leadership discussions | | **Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar** | Terengganu MB | Potential PN chair candidate | | **Hamzah Zainudin** | Bersatu Secretary-General | His faction being targeted in party purge | | **Tun Dr Mahathir** | Former PM | Hospitalized with fractured hip | | **Anwar Ibrahim** | Prime Minister | PM term limit reform; visited Turkiye | | **Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki** | UMNO Secretary-General | Confirming no Akmal resignation letter received | --- ## Deep Dive: Akmal's Connections with PAS & Bersatu ### Background: The Muafakat Nasional Revival Proposal UMNO Youth Chief Dr Akmal Saleh's call for UMNO to leave the unity government is tied to his proposal to **revive Muafakat Nasional** - the UMNO-PAS political pact that existed before GE15. His key argument: "If Umno and PAS unite, I believe the Malays will once again be brought together." At the UMNO Youth special convention on 3 January, Akmal asked: *"Do we want to remain in a government that fails to respect Islam and the Malay Rulers?"* --- ### PAS Response: Welcoming but Conditional #### Official PAS Position **PAS Information Chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari** welcomed Akmal's proposal, stating that **Muafakat Nasional could be relaunched immediately** - but only after UMNO and BN leave the unity government first. **PAS President Hadi Awang** stated: > "The relationship with Bersatu and Umno is still good. Yes, god willing, we want to unite Malays, Muslims and non-Muslims who are not extreme." #### PAS Pahang's Enthusiastic Endorsement PAS Pahang explicitly praised Akmal's courage: > "Kami mengalu-alukan sikap Ketua Pemuda UMNO, Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh yang terus berjuang untuk penyatuan ummah meskipun dikritik." They also criticized UMNO's leadership: > "Malangnya, kepimpinan tertinggi UMNO masih memuji DAP walaupun ahli sendiri sudah 'pening lalat' dengan sikap mereka." #### The Precondition PAS's welcome comes with a **key precondition**: UMNO must leave the unity government first. PAS will not make the first move or commit to anything concrete until UMNO acts. **Key Headlines:** - [PAS-Bersatu ties strong, says Hadi, as calls for Muafakat Nasional revival grow](https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/02/pas-bersatu-ties-strong-says-hadi-as-calls-for-muafakat-nasional-revival-grow) (2 Jan) - [Politik bukan medan kuasa sempit - Pas Pahang](https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/763483/berita/politik/politik-bukan-medan-kuasa-sempit---pas-pahang) (10 Jan) --- ### Bersatu Response: Strategic Silence #### Muafakat Nasional Chairman's Non-Answer **Tan Sri Annuar Musa** (Muafakat Nasional chairman) gave a deliberately vague response: > "Matters between PAS and Bersatu are progressing well... there is no need for too many comments at the moment." #### The "UMNO Out, Bersatu In?" Scenario Analysts are speculating about a potential **swap scenario** - if UMNO leaves the unity government, Bersatu might take its place: > "The opportunity to join the government before the next general election is an offer no party can refuse, including Bersatu." This is significant because Bersatu is currently weakened: - Internal purge (Saifuddin expelled, division chiefs disciplined) - Muhyiddin stepping down as PN chair - Lost the Perlis crisis battle with PAS - Joining the unity government could be their **survival strategy** **Key Headlines:** - [After Akmal's call, will it be Umno out, Bersatu in?](https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2026/01/05/after-akmals-call-will-it-be-umno-out-bersatu-in) (5 Jan) - [Umno keluar, Bersatu sertai kerajaan Madani?](https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/bahasa/pandangan/2026/01/05/umno-keluar-bersatu-sertai-kerajaan-madani) (5 Jan) --- ### UMNO Internal Opposition to PAS Alliance #### Puad Zarkashi's Strong Objection UMNO MKT member **Puad Zarkashi** vowed to be the first to object if UMNO-PAS unity is discussed: > "PAS ada penyakit politik yang sukar disembuhkan. Mereka suka 'berkahwin dan bercerai' dalam politik, cepat berkahwin, tetapi cepat juga bercerai." > *(PAS has a political disease that's hard to cure. They like to 'marry and divorce' in politics - quick to marry, but quick to divorce too.)* He warned that PAS has a history of using partners then abandoning them. #### The "Barua PAS" Accusation Some UMNO loyalists openly accuse Akmal of being a **"barua PAS"** (PAS stooge), suggesting he's doing PAS's bidding to destabilize UMNO from within. **Key Headlines:** - [Alliance with PAS a bad idea, says Umno Supreme Council member](https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/01/09/alliance-with-pas-a-bad-idea-says-umno-supreme-council-member) (9 Jan) - ['PAS suka kahwin cerai', Puad bantah jika Umno bincang penyatuan](https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/bahasa/tempatan/2026/01/09/pas-suka-kahwin-cerai-puad-bantah-jika-umno-bincang-penyatuan) (9 Jan) - [Leaving unity govt will weaken Umno, Akmal told](https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/01/04/leaving-unity-govt-will-weaken-umno-akmal-told) (4 Jan) --- ### Analysis: Who Benefits? | Party | Position | Strategic Interest | |-------|----------|-------------------| | **PAS** | Welcomes Akmal | Wants UMNO's rural Malay vote bank; weakens unity govt without committing | | **Bersatu** | Silent/Opportunistic | May flip to unity govt if UMNO leaves; in survival mode | | **UMNO (Zahid)** | Firmly rejects | Staying in government = power, positions, party survival | | **Akmal** | Isolated | Senior UMNO rejects him; PAS welcomes but won't commit first | ### Key Finding: No Direct Coordination Based on news analysis, **there is no evidence of direct meetings or coordination between Akmal and PAS/Bersatu leaders**. His push appears to be: - A public call for unity, not a coordinated plot - Driven by his personal/youth wing position rather than formal party channels - Potentially being exploited by PAS as a destabilization tool ### Historical Context: Why Muafakat Failed Before Muafakat Nasional was formed over six years ago to consolidate the Malay-Muslim vote when UMNO and PAS were both in opposition. The pact collapsed when: - PAS formed Perikatan Nasional with Bersatu - PAS insisted Bersatu be included in Muafakat Nasional - UMNO opposed Bersatu's inclusion - The parties ended up on opposite sides after GE15 --- ## Deep Dive: Is Akmal Genuine? What Will Happen at PAU? ### The Key Question: Grassroots Zeitgeist or Ulterior Motives? An important observation: Akmal's push for UMNO to leave the unity government is **disconnected from the Najib pardon and Zahid NFA narratives**. His framing is ideological ("penyatuan agama, bangsa") rather than transactional (protecting leaders from prosecution). This suggests he may be more genuine than critics claim. --- ### Arguments FOR Akmal Being Genuine 1. **Ideological framing, not transactional** - Talking about "penyatuan agama, bangsa" (unity of religion and race) - Not about Najib's pardon or protecting anyone from prosecution - Narrative is disconnected from UMNO's legal baggage 2. **Claims grassroots mandate** > "Suara akar umbi yang disalurkan melalui cawangan dan bahagian parti" He argues divisions arise from "leadership unwilling to open its heart" - implying the top is out of touch with the base. 3. **Willing to sacrifice position** - Hinted at resignation (even if analysts call it a "gimmick") - Said "Siapalah kita tanpa rakyat" (What are we without the people) 4. **Real Malay anxiety exists** - The 3R rhetoric (race, religion, royalty being "insulted") resonates with a segment - UMNO's identity crisis in the unity government is real - Many members feel they're "DAP's lapdog" --- ### Arguments AGAINST (Personal Ambition) Analysts are skeptical: | Analyst | Assessment | |---------|------------| | **Lau Zhe Wei** (Senior Political Analyst) | "Quite clear he is making these statements to serve his own political agenda" | | **James Chin** (University of Tasmania) | Resignation hint is a "political gimmick" - he won't quit because he'd lose his Melaka exco post | | **Awang Azman Pawi** (Assoc. Professor) | Leaving unity govt is "almost impossible to implement" | **Key point**: Akmal holds **no Cabinet position**. Some see his push as positioning for future leadership. **Sources:** - [Akmal's push driven by personal ambition, analysts warn](https://www.scoop.my/news/278662/akmals-umno-pas-push-driven-by-personal-ambition-risks-weakening-party-unity-analysts-warn/) - [Akmal's resignation hint just a political gimmick](https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/01/08/akmals-resignation-hint-just-a-political-gimmick-say-analysts) --- ### The Grassroots Reality Check: What PAU Numbers Show | Metric | Data | |--------|------| | Total delegates registered | 6,412 | | Total motions submitted | 662 | | Motions on **Najib pardon** | 104 bahagian (most popular) | | Motions on **leaving unity govt** | **ZERO** | | Motions on **PAS cooperation** | **ZERO** | **This is significant.** If grassroots truly wanted out of the unity government, the motions would reflect it. The **Najib pardon** is what bahagian actually care about - not Akmal's Malay unity crusade. #### Counter-Voice from Grassroots Wan Mahussin Wan Zain (Jeli UMNO Youth Information Chief) directly challenged Akmal: > "Our votes overlap with PAS supporters... we lost Pahang, we lost Perak [when allied with PAS]. It's not impossible we could lose even more seats." He warns if UMNO leaves, **PAS might just take their spot in the unity government anyway** - leaving UMNO with nothing. **Source:** [Grassroots UMNO Youth questions Akmal's push](https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/117782/grassroots-umno-youth-questions-party-chiefs-push-to-exit-unity-government-and-revive-pas-alliance) --- ### PAU 2025 Scenarios: What Will Happen (14-17 January) #### Scenario 1: Akmal Backs Down (Most Likely - 70%) - **No formal motions** support his position - Zahid has firmly said NO - Akmal announces he'll "continue fighting from within" - Face-saving rhetoric: "I've raised the voice of the grassroots, now we move forward united" - **He keeps his positions** (Youth chief, Melaka exco) #### Scenario 2: Akmal Goes Nuclear (20%) - Resigns as Youth chief at PAU podium - Makes dramatic speech about "betrayed principles" - **But stays in UMNO** (anti-hopping law traps him) - Becomes internal opposition/voice of dissent - Sets himself up as "the principled one" for future leadership contest #### Scenario 3: Actual Party Split (10%) - Akmal's speech ignites unexpected delegate revolt - Multiple state Youth wings back him publicly - Zahid forced to negotiate or face open rebellion - **Unlikely** because: no motion support, Zahid controls party machinery --- ### Assessment: 60% Genuine, 40% Ambitious Akmal is likely **both genuine AND ambitious** - the two aren't mutually exclusive. He's tapping into real anxieties while also positioning himself. **The underlying sentiment IS real:** - UMNO's identity crisis in the unity government is genuine - Many Malays DO feel the 3R anxieties he articulates - The DAP-UMNO tension at grassroots level is real - UMNO members watching Zahid's NFA while Najib remains in prison creates cognitive dissonance **But his proposed solution is problematic:** - Muafakat failed before for structural reasons (ego, seats, culture clash) - PAS is currently **stronger** than UMNO among Malays - UMNO would be junior partner - Leaving government = losing patronage = party death spiral --- ### Prediction: What Will Actually Happen 1. **PAU will be noisy but Zahid will maintain control** 2. **Akmal will make a dramatic speech but NOT resign** 3. **Najib pardon issue will dominate**, not Malay unity 4. **UMNO stays in unity government** 5. **Akmal lives to fight another day**, building his "man of principle" brand for GE16/post-Zahid era **The real test** isn't PAU - it's **GE16**. If UMNO performs badly, Akmal's narrative gains legitimacy. If they hold seats, Zahid is vindicated. **Key Sources:** - [UMNO will remain part of Unity govt until GE16: Zahid](https://www.scoop.my/news/278761/umno-will-remain-part-of-unity-govt-until-ge16-zahid/) - [PAU 2025: Umno tak halang bangkit isu keluar kerajaan](https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/bahasa/tempatan/2026/01/09/pau-2025-umno-tak-halang-bangkit-isu-keluar-kerajaan-kerjasama-pas) - [Terima hakikat sukar Umno keluar kerajaan, Akmal diberitahu](https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/bahasa/tempatan/2026/01/07/terima-hakikat-sukar-umno-keluar-kerajaan-akmal-diberitahu) --- *Report generated from Malaysian News Summary database on 10 January 2026*