BERSATU Chiefs Walk Out in Kelantan

On Tuesday, seven of the fourteen BERSATU division chiefs in Kelantan announced they were leaving the party to join rival factions. The sudden half‑size exodus, reported by Harian Metro from Kota Bharu, has sent shockwaves through the state's political circles and raised questions about the party's cohesion. BERSATU, a component of the federal ruling coalition, has long relied on its grassroots network in Kelantan to challenge the long‑standing dominance of the PAS‑led state government. Recent internal disputes over candidate selection and perceived neglect from the party's central leadership appear to have fuelled the resignations. The departing chiefs are expected to bolster the ranks of opposition parties ahead of the next state election, potentially reshaping constituency battles that have been safe for BERSATU in the past. Their move also signals a broader trend of fragmentation within Malaysia's coalition politics, where loyalty is increasingly fluid. Analysts warn that if BERSATU cannot stabilise its Kelantan base, it may lose critical parliamentary seats, weakening its influence both locally and at the federal level.

For voters and businesses in Kelantan, the split could alter the balance of power in the state assembly, affecting decisions on development projects, education funding and local services. A weakened BERSATU may also shift the dynamics of coalition negotiations at the federal level, influencing policies that impact everyday life across Malaysia.

The mass resignation highlights growing discontent within BERSATU and underscores the fragility of coalition politics in Malaysia. With half of its Kelantan leadership gone, the party risks losing key constituencies, which could reshape the composition of the state assembly and diminish its bargaining power in national coalitions. This shift may also embolden opposition forces.