Talks on the viability of Pakatan Harapan's succession plan have again hogged headlines, after Bersatu grassroots demanded that Dr Mahathir Mohamad be given a full term as prime minister.

According to political observers interviewed by Malaysiakini, these calls are unlikely to shake the status quo – that Mahathir will eventually hand over the reins to Anwar Ibrahim – but it is understandable why some Bersatu members are against it.

Universiti Utara Malaysia's Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani pointed out that many in Bersatu were until two years ago members of Umno, who have been enemies of Anwar since 1998...