PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional working together on the ground during the latest state election is nothing new as there were precedents, said Universiti Malaya political analyst Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub.
He said that with the campaign on the ground starting yesterday, both Barisan and Perikatan machineries, namely of Umno and PAS, would have to find a way to cooperate and stand as one against their main rival Pakatan Harapan.
“Yes, there is a precedent. In the 2018 Seri Setia by-election, Umno deployed its machinery to support the PAS candidate. PAS later campaigned alongside Barisan in the Cameron Highlands, Semenyih and Rantau by-elections, before the Muafakat Nasional pact was formalised in 2019,” said Tawfik.
Muafakat Nasional was a loose cooperation signed by Umno and PAS to set aside their decades-old rivalry to unite the Malay-majority population.
“Negri Sembilan is more complicated because it involves a statewide division of seats, dissatisfied Umno grassroots leaders and Bersatu contesting separately.
“The most likely outcome is an uneven campaign. BN and Perikatan leaders may cooperate at the top but some grassroots members could remain uncomfortable or refuse to fully support each other.
“Umno division leaders may slow down the machinery, remain passive or even encourage protest voting.”
Tawfik believes campaigning in Negri Sembilan will likely involve selective cooperation between the two coalitions.
“PAS leaders may campaign in Barisan constituencies and encourage their supporters to vote for Barisan, while Umno leaders could assist Perikatan candidates in selected Malay-majority or marginal seats.
“Both parties may continue using their own machinery at the local level to preserve their identities. Joint campaigning will probably be more visible at major rallies and strategic constituencies rather than in every seat.
“Its effectiveness will depend on whether grassroots leaders and supporters are willing to accept the cooperation.”
He warned that it could get awkward if the grassroots members of all parties are not on the same page.
There have been reports of Umno division leaders in Negri Sembilan being unhappy about being told to make way for Perikatan candidates in the 11 seats.
“Yes, it could be awkward. Some Umno division leaders may resist campaigning for Perikatan candidates, especially in seats they believe should belong to Umno. If they withhold support or campaign half-heartedly, it could weaken the cooperation and benefit Pakatan.
“Dissatisfaction about the 11 seats allocated to Perikatan shows that resistance already exists, particularly those given to the new Wawasan party,” said Tawfik.
Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said that campaigning will likely be based on soft coordination rather than joint events.
“Barisan and Perikatan are expected to focus on their respective seats, minimise attacks on each other, and concentrate resources where they are strongest. The real indicator is whether they avoid direct confrontation rather than whether they physically campaign in each other’s areas.
“It may be awkward, especially for unhappy Umno division leaders. Some may campaign less enthusiastically, but unless the discontent becomes widespread, it is unlikely to undermine the overall strategy.”
