Former Malaysia PM Muhyiddin quits Perikatan Nasional leadership, triggering shake-up in opposition

[KUALA LUMPUR] The resignation of former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin as chairman of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition signals a pivotal shift for Malaysia’s opposition, analysts say, as rifts exposed by the Perlis power struggle prompt leadership recalibration.

The 78-year-old president of the Malaysian United Indigenous Party (Bersatu) announced his exit on Tuesday (Dec 30), effective from Jan 1, 2026. The move ends his oversight of the political coalition he formed in 2020, during the crisis that toppled the Pakatan Harapan government and made him prime minister for 17 months until 2021. PN is Malaysia’s main opposition bloc and comprises Bersatu, the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia and the Malaysian Indian People’s Party.

“I would like to thank all the PN leaders who have given me full support during my time leading PN since its establishment five years ago… I wish all the best to the PN leadership and its component parties,” Muhyiddin said in a statement.