KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 1 -- There is speculation once again about whether Muafakat Nasional, the stillborn co-operation between PAS and Umno after GE 14, will be revived now that PAS and Bersatu's Perikatan Nasional (PN)coalition seems to be in tatters after the Perlis debacle.

Analysts are so far sceptical that the grumbling would lead to a full-blown rupture that sees Umno abandoning the unity pact.

"It is unlikely for Umno to withdraw from the government. The public call to withdraw support for the unity government is largely performative, a display of posturing as the party positions itself ahead of its general assembly in January," said Adib Zalkapli, managing director of Viewfinder, a political risk consultancy.

Below, they discuss s...