Malaysia’s opposition bloc declared invalid, but limited gains for Anwar

Malaysia’s main opposition coalition lost its registration on Tuesday, just 11 days before nominations for a state election, drawing accusations that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s government is using state powers to cripple its rivals.

The decision leaves Perikatan Nasional (PN) – already fractured by a bitter dispute between its Islamist anchor, the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), and estranged partner Bersatu – fighting to preserve its electoral identity ahead of Melaka’s November 14 vote.

National elections are due by February 2028, although Anwar has indicated an earlier vote could be considered. Analysts identified his federal governing partner, the United Malays National Organisation (Umno), as a potential beneficiary of the decision as it negotiates an electoral pact with PAS against Anwar’s own alliance in Melaka.

The Registrar of Societies found that explanations submitted by PN on October 12 failed to rebut grounds for deregistration outlined in a notice issued last month.