IPOH: Political analysts believe that Perikatan Nasional (PN) will emerge stronger from the Perak political crisis, which almost pushed the coalition to the brink of collapse.
Geostrategist Professor Dr Azmi Hassan said Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) and Umno were now aware that they needed each other to stay in power, and that any misstep in resolving the crisis could end their political symbiosis at the federal level.
He said the stalemate in Perak could have paved the way for more volatile politics within PN.
"I feel both parties have made some concessions to rebuild mutual trust and reach an amicable solution.
"Umno was willing to admit its mistake for being too gullible in ousting Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu and Bersatu was willing to compromise.
"Pas also played its role as a mediator well by not leaning towards either Bersatu or Umno.
"I see that trust between them is strengthened, especially after the Sabah fiasco."
Azmi said now Pakatan Harapan would find it difficult to weaken Umno's position in the country's increasingly fluid political reality.
"Perak PN was at breaking point, and yet the three parties have shown that they are willing to go to any length to preserve their ties. Despite DAP offering to work with Umno, taking that offer was out of question for the latter."
The Perak political crisis began on Dec 4, after Faizal failed to garner enough confidence votes in the Perak state legislative assembly.
The Chenderiang assemblyman received only 10 votes in his support, while 48 other assemblymen voted against him, and one vote was spoilt.
Although Umno had an upper hand as the party with the largest number of seats, it was unable to get the support of another five assemblymen to achieve a simple majority of 30 seats to form the new government.
Professor Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said the onus was on Datuk Saarani Mohamad as the new menteri besar to lead a transparent administration to restore trust among his fellow Pas and Bersatu assemblymen.
More importantly, he said the Perak crisis offered an important lesson for the federal government led by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to consolidate its position.
"Bersatu must ensure that state governments are helmed by parties that command the majority number of seats in the state assembly. Their voices cannot be neglected.
"If PN tries to isolate Umno in the current political dynamic, Umno will move to align itself with the PH component parties," the Universiti Malaya sociopolitical analyst said.