As Muhyiddin Yassin prepares to register Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia this afternoon, analysts are divided on the impact a bumiputera-based political party would have in the next election.

The party is expected to be led by the former deputy prime minister as its president, and with former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad as the chairperson.

On the one hand, their exit from Umno could boost Malay support for the movement to ‘Save Malaysia’ and remove Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak

But on the other hand, the party may only further split the votes among Malay voters and ensure a victory for Barisan Nasional in the 14th general election, due to be called by 2018...