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Kuala Lumpur – A deepening power struggle within Malaysia’s opposition Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition threatens to fracture the alliance, as former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin battles for control against his recently ousted deputy, Hamzah Zainudin. The crisis, unfolding rapidly in February 2026, has placed Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) in a pivotal position, potentially acting as kingmaker in determining the future leadership of the opposition bloc.

The conflict escalated significantly on February 13th when Hamzah Zainudin was expelled from Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), a move that prompted a swift and defiant response. Hamzah, who claims the support of 19 of Bersatu’s 25 Members of Parliament and 118 of its 168 division chiefs, has publicly declared himself Muhyiddin Yassin’s “No. 1 enemy.” This internal strife comes at a critical juncture, with a general election anticipated as early as late 2026, despite being due by early 2028.

Hamzah Secures PAS Support Amidst Expulsion

Just hours after his expulsion, Hamzah met with key PAS leaders, including President Hadi Awang, in Terengganu, signaling a potential shift in allegiances. He documented the meeting on social media, stating, “Evening tea in Rusila. Allah is the best planner.” While PAS leaders have publicly maintained a neutral stance, stressing they do not interfere in the internal affairs of other parties, their rhetoric has been largely sympathetic to Hamzah, particularly regarding the reasons for his dismissal. PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man stated that Hamzah’s “offence was urging the president to step down… And we sympathise with what has happened,” according to reports.

The situation stems from growing discontent within PAS regarding Muhyiddin’s leadership of the PN coalition. Pressure mounted after several PAS assemblymen withdrew support for their own chief minister in Perlis, leading to a Bersatu assemblyman, Abu Bakar Hamzah, becoming Menteri Besar in December 2025. This prompted PAS to pressure Muhyiddin to resign as PN chairman, alleging betrayal. He officially stepped down on January 1st, but a suitable replacement has yet to be found, highlighting the challenges within the coalition.

A New Platform for “Team Hamzah”

Hamzah’s supporters, dubbed “Team Hamzah,” are now actively exploring the formation of a new political platform. Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan, a former Bersatu supreme councillor, stated, “There will be a new platform. A new house for Team Hamzah.” The group is reportedly considering taking over existing minor parties, such as Berjasa or Kita, to establish a formal alliance with PAS. Wan Saiful expressed confidence that PAS would ultimately align with the faction that demonstrates the greatest potential for electoral success.

Analysts suggest that PAS, while Malaysia’s largest party, requires a moderate Malay partner to broaden its appeal and realistically challenge the ruling government. Viewfinder Global Affairs’ managing director Adib Zalkapli noted that “PAS still lacks appeal not just to non-Muslims but also the Malay majority who want to see more technocratic leadership,” particularly in key battleground states like Johor, Perak, Pahang, and Selangor.

Muhyiddin’s Response and Upcoming Leadership Meeting

Muhyiddin Yassin, while remaining president of Bersatu, has acknowledged attempts to resolve the crisis internally. Following a Bersatu supreme council meeting on February 14th, he stated that “various efforts were made through meetings with those involved to find a peaceful resolution and save Bersatu,” but lamented that “certain parties continued to sabotage Bersatu to split us up.” He even admitted to giving leadership positions to individuals he knew were opposed to him in an attempt to maintain party unity.

A crucial meeting is scheduled for February 22nd to determine Muhyiddin’s replacement as PN chairman. Sources indicate that Hadi Awang of PAS is likely to be nominated for the position, potentially paving the way for “Team Hamzah” to be reintegrated into the coalition’s leadership. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has so far declined to comment on the internal struggles within the opposition, stating simply, “Let them fight first.”

The coming weeks will be critical in determining the future of the Perikatan Nasional coalition and the shape of Malaysian politics. The outcome of the February 22nd leadership meeting and the extent of PAS’s support for either faction will be key indicators of the path forward. The ongoing internal conflict within the opposition is likely to have significant implications for the upcoming general election and the stability of the political landscape.

What are your thoughts on the future of the Perikatan Nasional coalition? Share your opinions in the comments below.

A comforting and flavorful meal doesn’t have to be complicated. Creamy garlic butter pasta, a dish gaining traction on social media platforms like Facebook, offers a quick and satisfying solution for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend treat. The recipe, centered around the rich flavors of roasted garlic and butter, is proving popular for its simplicity and ability to deliver a restaurant-quality experience at home.

The appeal of this dish lies in its ability to transform basic pantry staples into something special. The core of the recipe involves leisurely-roasting garlic to achieve a sweetness that complements the savory butter and pasta. Many variations incorporate lemon juice and fresh parsley to brighten the flavors, creating a balanced and vibrant meal. The hashtag #garlicbutterpasta is currently trending, indicating a surge in interest and home cooks experimenting with the recipe.

The Art of Roasting Garlic

Central to a truly exceptional garlic butter pasta is the proper roasting of the garlic. According to Essen Paradies, the process involves placing peeled garlic cloves in a baking dish and fully covering them with olive oil, often with a sprig of rosemary for added aroma. Roasting at a moderate heat – the specific temperature isn’t detailed in the source material – until the cloves are soft, golden, and easily spreadable is key. The goal isn’t to brown or crisp the garlic, but to coax out its natural sweetness. This slow-roasting technique, as highlighted by multiple sources, is what distinguishes this pasta from simpler garlic-flavored dishes.

Building the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce

Once the garlic is roasted, the next step is creating the creamy sauce. The process typically involves blending the roasted garlic with softened butter, lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Some recipes, like the one featured on Essen Paradies, suggest chilling the mixture briefly before whipping it with a fork to create a light and airy texture. This aeration is crucial for ensuring the sauce coats each strand of pasta evenly. Notably, several recipes, including one from Make a Whisk, emphasize that this sauce achieves a creamy consistency *without* the addition of heavy cream.

Pasta Perfection and Finishing Touches

The type of pasta used can also impact the final result. While the sources don’t specify a particular shape, cooking the pasta “al dente” – meaning it still has a slight bite – is consistently recommended. This ensures the pasta holds its texture and doesn’t grow mushy when tossed with the sauce. The starchy pasta water, as noted by Nonna Food, plays a vital role in emulsifying the sauce and creating a silky texture. A final garnish of fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese complete the dish.

Variations and Inspiration

While the core recipe remains consistent, variations abound. Lemon garlic butter pasta, a close relative, emphasizes the bright, zesty flavors of lemon juice and zest, as seen in recipes from Nonna Food and Make a Whisk. Some cooks add a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle kick. The dish draws inspiration from the classic Italian “Pasta al Limone,” but often incorporates a more generous amount of garlic, reflecting American preferences. A Facebook reel showcasing the dish, found here, demonstrates the visual appeal and ease of preparation.

The simplicity and versatility of garlic butter pasta make it a popular choice for both novice and experienced cooks. Its ability to deliver a comforting and flavorful meal in under 20 minutes, as highlighted by several sources, makes it an ideal option for busy weeknights. The dish’s growing popularity, evidenced by its presence on social media and numerous online recipes, suggests it will remain a staple in home kitchens for some time to come.

As home cooks continue to experiment with this recipe, we can expect to spot further variations and adaptations emerge. The core principles of roasted garlic, creamy butter, and perfectly cooked pasta, however, are likely to remain central to its enduring appeal.

What are your favorite additions to garlic butter pasta? Share your tips and variations in the comments below!