Kuala lumpur: After nearly two months of uncertainty over the leadership direction of Perikatan Nasional (PN) following the resignation of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on January 1, the political coalition has finally ended speculation with the appointment of Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar as its new chairman. According to BERNAMA News Agency, the appointment of the Terengganu Menteri Besar was announced following a special meeting of PN's Supreme Council. The decision was not unexpected, as Dr. Ahmad Samsuri's leadership had been widely anticipated by political observers. Despite this resolution, political analyst Associate Prof Dr Mazlan Ali expressed concerns that the relationship between coalition members Bersatu and PAS remains unstable, suggesting that PN's future may still be at risk of entering a 'bleak' phase. Dr. Mazlan noted that the appointment of Muhyiddin as PN's deputy chairman, despite his experience and former role as PN chairman and Prime Minister, could be perceived as a 'downgrade' and indicative of the coalition's internal tensions. The decision to demote Muhyiddin might affect his authority within the coalition, potentially leading to difficulties in gaining acceptance for his directives among members. The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Kuala Lumpur's director stated that although PN's leadership portrayed the meeting as amicable, the underlying tensions and Muhyiddin's weakened position could hinder the coalition's efforts to attain stability and political consensus. Dr. Mazlan suggested that friction between PAS and Bersatu is likely to persist, particularly given PAS' favorable relationship with former Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin. Dr. Mazlan highlighted that Hamzah, who was expelled from Bersatu, continues to maintain strong ties with PAS, as evidenced by a viral photograph shared on social media. This relationship suggests that PAS might be more inclined to align with Hamzah, especially if he decides to establish a new party, as he reportedly has substantial backing from within Bersatu. Hamzah's potential to form a new party is bolstered by his support from 18 of Bersatu's 25 MPs and 118 division chiefs, Dr. Mazlan explained. This could lead PAS to reevaluate its alliances, potentially sidelining Bersatu within PN if Hamzah's new party emerges as a stronger entity. Furthermore, Dr. Mazlan emphasized that Hamzah is not restricted by the anti-party hopping law, allowing him to form a new party without legal constraints following his expulsion. This development could result in a significant shift in the coalition's dynamics, with PAS potentially choosing to cooperate with Hamzah's new party over Bersatu. Meanwhile, Universiti Malaya sociopolitical analyst Prof Datuk Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi remarked that Ahmad Samsuri's appointment is perceived as a strategic move to attract non-Malay support to PN, suggesting a broader political strategy at play within the coalition's ranks.