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MCA Youth Demands Bersatu Exit from Unity Government

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, January 4th 2026 at 11:26 GMT by Free Malaysia Today

MCA Youth Joins Chorus Demanding Bersatu Exit from Unity Government Amidst Kedah Controversy

A growing wave of pressure is mounting on Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) within the Malaysian Unity Government, as MCA Youth has formally endorsed a call by PAS’s youth wing leader, Akmal Khalid, for Bersatu to leave the coalition. This escalation follows recent public outcry and internal tensions sparked by Bersatu's stance on Kedah’s land swap issue and perceived attempts to undermine the state government. The situation highlights deepening cracks within the fragile alliance formed after the 2022 general election and raises questions about its long-term stability.

The Spark: Kedah Land Swap Controversy & Akmal Khalid's Call

The immediate catalyst for this latest development is a dispute surrounding land swaps in Kedah. The state government, led by Pakatan Harapan (PH), had previously agreed to a land swap deal involving 238 acres of state-owned land being exchanged for 176 acres of private land. This deal has faced significant opposition from various quarters, including environmental groups and local residents who fear the potential impact on agricultural land and water resources.

Bersatu’s Youth wing (ARAS) initially voiced support for a review of the land swap agreement, arguing that it needed to be re-evaluated in light of concerns raised by stakeholders. This position, seemingly at odds with the PH state government's stance, drew criticism from within the Unity Government and fueled accusations of Bersatu attempting to destabilize the Kedah administration.

Akmal Khalid, head of PAS Youth (Pemuda PAS), amplified this tension significantly when he publicly urged Bersatu to withdraw from the Unity Government if it couldn’t align with its partners on crucial issues like the Kedah land swap. Khalid's statement was direct and forceful, suggesting that Bersatu's actions were creating unnecessary friction and eroding public trust in the coalition. He emphasized that maintaining stability within a unity government requires consensus and shared values, which he believes Bersatu is failing to demonstrate. (See related article: [ https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/01/04/akmal-calls-on-bersatu-to-quit-govt-if-cannot-align/ ])

MCA Youth’s Endorsement: A Significant Shift in Support

The endorsement of Akmal Khalid's call by MCA Youth is a particularly noteworthy development. The MCA, a component party of Barisan Nasional (BN), has traditionally been cautious in its public criticisms of the Unity Government, given their own participation within it. However, MCA Youth chief Gan Tian Seng articulated that Bersatu’s actions were detrimental to the stability and effectiveness of the government. He stated that Akmal's call was "reasonable" and reflected the growing dissatisfaction among various parties within the coalition.

Gan argued that Bersatu’s continued presence, given its divergent views on key issues, is only serving to exacerbate tensions and create an environment of distrust. He suggested that a Bersatu exit would allow the remaining members of the Unity Government – primarily PH and BN – to function more cohesively and effectively address national challenges.

This backing from MCA Youth signifies a hardening stance against Bersatu within the broader political landscape, indicating that even parties traditionally hesitant to publicly challenge the government are now feeling compelled to voice their concerns. It’s a clear signal of the increasing pressure on Bersatu leadership to reconsider its position. (See related article: [ https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/01/04/mca-youth-backs-akmals-call-to-quit-govt ])

Bersatu's Response and the Broader Implications

As of this writing, Bersatu has not issued a formal response to Akmal Khalid’s call or MCA Youth’s endorsement. However, sources within the party suggest that internal discussions are underway regarding their future role in the Unity Government. The Kedah issue is just one symptom of deeper ideological and strategic differences between Bersatu and its coalition partners. Bersatu's focus on Malay-centric policies and its often confrontational approach to political issues have consistently created friction with more moderate factions within PH and BN.

The potential departure of Bersatu from the Unity Government would undoubtedly reshape Malaysia’s political landscape. While it might strengthen the position of PH and BN, it could also create a power vacuum that other parties – including Perikatan Nasional (PN), the coalition led by PAS – could exploit. Furthermore, a Bersatu exit could trigger further defections within the government, potentially leading to its collapse.

Looking Ahead: Uncertainty and Potential Instability

The situation remains fluid and unpredictable. While Akmal Khalid’s call and MCA Youth's endorsement represent a significant escalation in pressure on Bersatu, it is far from certain whether the party will ultimately choose to leave the Unity Government. Bersatu leadership faces a difficult balancing act – maintaining their political relevance while navigating increasingly strained relationships with their coalition partners.

The Kedah land swap controversy has served as a stark reminder of the inherent challenges in governing a deeply divided nation through a fragile unity government. The ongoing tensions highlight the need for greater communication, compromise, and a shared vision among all parties involved if the Unity Government is to survive and effectively address the pressing issues facing Malaysia. The coming weeks are likely to be crucial in determining the future of this political alliance and the stability of Malaysian politics.

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