Considered Malaysian news, analysis and opinion.
Puad Zarkashi has resigned from Umno, ending his membership in Malaysia's largest Malay-Muslim party. The move follows his cryptic announcement hints during the Johor state election nomination phase.
Malaysia's Islamist bloc fractured as PAS formally ended its political partnership with Bersatu on June 8, though the two parties remain entangled in government structures and parliamentary arrangements.
Bersatu's continued membership in the Perikatan Nasional coalition depends on a majority vote by the PN supreme council, marking a critical juncture for the coalition's stability.
PAS treasurer Iskandar Abdul Samad has expressed confidence that his party would emerge victorious if it contests directly against Bersatu in elections, arguing that supporters of the Perikatan Nasional coalition would back PAS.