Political alliances and dalliances

PETALING JAYA: While negotiations on electoral alliances are ongoing, political analysts say it is unlikely that there will be cooperation between Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional in their fight against Barisan Nasional in the 15th general election (GE15).

They also said that it will be hard for one single coalition to form a strong majority after GE15.

Dr Azmi Hassan, a senior fellow at Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research (NASR), said Perikatan still has some influence compared to other smaller coalitions such as the Malay-Muslim Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA).

However, he said there could be repercussions from its supporters if Pakatan decides to cooperate with Perikatan.

“There will be protest votes from Pakatan supporters if it cooperates (with Perikatan) because Bersatu is seen as a ‘traitor’ that caused the collapse of the Pakatan ruling government then,” he added.

He was commenting on news reports that Pakatan has ruled out the rekindling of any cooperation with Perikatan for now.

It was earlier reported that a proposal by Perikatan and Bersatu chief Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (pic, left) for a collaboration with Pakatan to “save the country” and take on Barisan in GE15 was rejected by Pakatan, which is still haunted by the Sheraton Move.

Pakatan leaders said Muhyiddin’s proposal was only intended to save himself and his party.

PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (pic, right) was quoted saying that his party was open to forming alliances with other parties but the door would remain firmly shut to its adversaries in Pakatan.

He added that his party would continue to prioritise its “unification of the ummah” theme in its political stance and that it would avoid teaming up with any component party from Pakatan.

GTA, however, said it is prepared to hold discussions with Perikatan on cooperation in GE15.

Still, GTA does not know whether the talks would be fruitful, said its chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Azmi said PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli should not have called for ties to be severed with Perikatan or specifically Bersatu completely because Pakatan may need to work with them if they cannot form the Federal Government.

Rafizi was quoted saying that Pakatan was firm in its stand to not work with Perikatan for GE15.

National Professors Council senior fellow Dr Jeniri Amir said it was unlikely for Pakatan to cooperate with Perikatan or GTA due to differing ambitions among the parties.

“With their ongoing public spat, it will be difficult for them to collaborate or unite to fight against Barisan.

“It will have far reaching implications. At the end of the day, they will fight for the same seats.

“When they are split, it will give a big advantage to Barisan, especially if the voter turnout in the 15th general election is low,” said Jeniri.

Such scenarios can be seen in the recent state elections in Johor, Melaka and Sarawak, he said.

He said for now, Barisan had the upper hand if a general election is called anytime soon.

The five-year mandate of the current government will expire in July 2023 and the GE15 must be held within 60 days of the dissolution of Parliament.