PETALING JAYA: Different political coalitions working together for elections are becoming the new norm in Malaysian politics, say analysts.
Universiti Malaya socio-political analyst Professor Datuk Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said the winning formula for Barisan Nasional, which has recently seen a winning streak in state polls, lies in its grassroots strength, stable leadership, effective management of political cooperation and the ability to understand voters’ real priorities.
He said the cooperation with Perikatan Nasional has also minimised clashes and strengthened support in constituencies with different political leanings.
“Barisan has an advantage in terms of its experience in governance, organisational network and continued engagement with local communities. At a time when the people are increasingly concerned about cost of living, economic opportunities and administrative efficiency, voters tend to favour coalitions perceived as experienced and capable of ensuring continuity in development,” he said.
Awang Azman said that while Barisan maintained the same number of seats it won in 2021, the three seats contributed by Perikatan have increased its total.
“This victory demonstrates that a party’s strength is no longer measured solely by its ability to defeat its opponents, but also by its political acumen in building cooperation without sacrificing its own identity and influence,” he said.
Awang Azman said the Barisan and Perikatan cooperation in Melaka is an indication that Malaysian politics is increasingly moving away from a competition between individual parties to a contest between political blocs formed through strategic negotiations.
“The success of BN-PN cooperation in Negri Sembilan and Melaka provides a strong political basis for this model to continue. However, success at the state level does not necessarily translate automatically to the 16th General Election (GE16),” he said.
He said the challenges are far more complex when it comes to general elections, as this involves the distribution of parliamentary seats, leadership interests, ideological differences and the ability to attract support from voters of various races.
“Furthermore, Barisan’s position as part of the unity government at the Federal level raises strategic questions about its future relationship with Pakatan Harapan,” he said.
“I believe political cooperation will increasingly become the norm, although the form of such alliances may vary according to the state, voter demographics and prevailing political interests. Sarawak, for instance, has its own political dynamics which cannot be entirely compared with those of Peninsular Malaysia,” Awang Azman added.
International Islamic University Malaysia political science lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Tunku Mohar Tunku Mokhtar said the formula of identity politics will be the glue that binds both coalitions, adding that this is also working with the Malaysian electorates at the moment.
“With such a formula, the alliance between the two coalitions will be a winning formula for the state, except for Penang maybe, and general elections in the peninsula. When the formula works, it gives strong incentives for them to maintain it well into GE16,” he added.
As for Pakatan Harapan, Tunku Mohar said the prospects do not look good even if it forms an alliance with another party.
“Pakatan’s prospects don’t look good. Even if it allies with Bersatu, it won’t help them garner more seats. Maybe at this point, there’s no difference if it goes alone or in coalition with other non-aligned parties.”
