GEORGE TOWN: Pakatan Harapan’s decision to continue working with Barisan Nasional has caused little stir in Penang politics, given its minimal influence on the state’s governance, says an analyst.
Universiti Sains Malaysia Centre for Policy Research director Assoc Prof Dr Azeem Fazwan Ahmad Farouk said continuing to work with Barisan was essentially a case of “business as usual” for the Pakatan-led state government.
“I do not think it makes much difference whether Barisan is in the state government or not, as its influence is minimal and it does not have much impact on the administration.
“Pakatan has an overwhelming majority in Penang. It is not dependent on Barisan and Umno for its political survival,” he said.
Barisan has two seats in the 40-member state assembly, with one of them, Sungai Acheh assemblyman Datuk Rashidi Zinol, holding an executive council position.
The coalition also has three members holding city councillor posts.
Azeem said it was better for Pakatan to maintain the status quo than risk disrupting the political situation at the federal level.
While the coalition would continue to cooperate until the end of the current term, this does not necessarily mean they would work together in the next general election, he said.
“An election is a different scenario. Politics is fluid, and developments in Melaka could influence ties between the two coalitions at the federal level.
“Barisan has made it clear that it wants to contest all seats. Much could depend on what happens in Melaka,” he said.
Meanwhile, Penang Umno chief Datuk Musa Sheikh Fadzir said Barisan and the party have no issue continuing their cooperation with Pakatan in the interest of the people.
“Umno members holding positions in the state government will continue to provide the best service to the rakyat,” he said.
Penang DAP political education director Daniel Gooi said the decision to work with Barisan was in accordance with the mandate given by voters in the 2023 state election.
“The cooperation is only for the remainder of the current term,” he said.
On Saturday, state Pakatan chairman Chow Kon Yeow had announced that the coalition will continue working with Barisan in the state.
