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Anwar Ibrahim Lets Bersatu Resolve Internal Conflicts

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. him-lets-bersatu-resolve-internal-conflicts.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, February 15th 2026 at 7:55 GMT by The Straits Times
      Locales: Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Perak, MALAYSIA

KUALA LUMPUR - Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has signaled a deliberate policy of non-interference in the escalating internal conflicts within Parti Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), opting for a 'let them fight' strategy. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, February 15th, 2026, Mr. Anwar firmly stated that the government would remain neutral in the party's internal affairs, provided the resulting instability does not threaten the broader stability of the unity government he leads.

"I don't interfere in their affairs. Let them fight it out. As long as they don't affect the stability of the government," the Prime Minister reiterated, highlighting a calculated approach to navigate the political complexities unfolding within a key component party. This stance suggests a willingness to allow Bersatu to self-correct, even amidst potentially disruptive power struggles, rather than risk appearing to manipulate the situation or take sides.

The current turmoil stems from the recent removal of Muhyiddin Yassin from his long-held position as Bersatu chairman. While largely ceremonial, the chairmanship held significant symbolic weight, having been occupied by Yassin since 2018 - a period that saw him serve as Prime Minister himself. The decision to remove him has sparked considerable backlash from certain factions within Bersatu, who argue the move violated the party's constitution and established internal procedures. These dissenting voices raise questions about the legitimacy of the change and further fuel the internal division.

The party's current president, Zahid Hamidi, now finds himself at the center of this political maelstrom. Hamidi's leadership is being tested as he attempts to reconcile the differing factions and maintain party unity. The situation is further complicated by the broader political landscape, where Bersatu, despite the internal issues, remains a crucial pillar of the Anwar Ibrahim-led unity government. Any significant fracturing within Bersatu could potentially weaken the government's majority and necessitate political maneuvering to maintain its hold on power.

Analysts suggest that Anwar Ibrahim's hands-off approach is a carefully considered gamble. Directly intervening could be interpreted as partisan interference and exacerbate the existing tensions, potentially driving more Bersatu members towards opposition. Furthermore, becoming embroiled in the internal conflicts would divert the government's attention from pressing economic and social issues. By allowing Bersatu to resolve its own disputes, Anwar hopes to demonstrate respect for the party's autonomy and avoid being perceived as a controlling force.

However, this strategy is not without risks. Prolonged infighting within Bersatu could paralyze the party, hindering its ability to contribute effectively to the government's agenda. Moreover, the internal struggles could spill over and create further instability within the ruling coalition. The key will be monitoring the situation closely and being prepared to intervene should the turmoil genuinely threaten the government's stability. The threshold for intervention, as outlined by Anwar, remains contingent on the impact to the nation's governance.

Political observers note that this situation mirrors, to a degree, similar internal power struggles witnessed in other Malaysian political parties over the years. The delicate balance between maintaining party unity and allowing for internal democracy is a constant challenge for Malaysian political leaders. The case of Bersatu provides a contemporary example of this enduring tension.

The implications of this internal strife extend beyond the immediate political landscape. The ongoing conflicts within Bersatu could also impact public trust in political institutions and erode confidence in the government's ability to deliver on its promises. Addressing these concerns will require not only resolving the immediate crisis within Bersatu, but also demonstrating a commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance across all levels of government.

Looking ahead, the coming weeks and months will be critical in determining the future of Bersatu and its role within the unity government. Whether Anwar Ibrahim's 'let them fight' strategy will prove successful remains to be seen. However, his decision to prioritize government stability while allowing Bersatu to navigate its own internal challenges underscores a pragmatic approach to political leadership in a complex and ever-evolving environment.