The ongoing crisis in Bersatu has not created a decisive advantage in voter support for Barisan Nasional, making an early dissolution of the Melaka state assembly too risky at this stage, according to an analyst.
Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said the strength of the opposition is always a key factor when a ruling party weighs calling an election.
Early poll carries risks for BN
In Melaka, where the current term runs until December, Azmi warned that an early state election could backfire for BN.
The last Melaka state election took place on November 20, 2021.
“It cannot be reliably determined that a loss of confidence among Perikatan Nasional supporters would automatically lead them to back BN or PH,” he told FMT.
“So in this case, calling an early Melaka election carries risk.”
Azmi advised BN to wait a few more months to assess true Malay voter sentiment through polls and analysis before deciding on any move.
He was responding to speculation that BN might seek to capitalise on Bersatu’s current weakness.
Bersatu leaders voice discontent
Last week, four Bersatu leaders in Melaka criticised Muhyiddin Yassin for failing to resolve the party’s internal problems, which they said had weakened its leadership and exposed its fragility.
The statement came from Alor Gajah Bersatu chief Rahim Tamby Chik, who heads the state chapter, along with Yadzil Yaakub (Jasin), Ramlan Meon (Tangga Batu), and Jeffri Ibrahim (Hang Tuah Jaya).
Yadzil, the Melaka opposition leader and Bemban assemblyman, has since been expelled for breaching the party constitution.
Wanita Bersatu chief Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, who leads the Masjid Tanah division, faced questions after attending meetings linked to Hamzah Zainudin’s dismissal as deputy president.
Yesterday, Mas Ermieyati, also the Masjid Tanah MP, resigned as Masjid Tanah Bersatu chief.
Parties adopt wait-and-see stance
Syaza Shukri from the International Islamic University Malaysia said most political parties are not yet prepared for a Melaka state election because they are still managing their own internal challenges.
She described the current approach as “wait-and-see”, with parties needing more time to reinforce their organisational setup and political strategies.
“For Melaka, in my view, BN currently holds an advantage,” she said.
“However, BN’s main challenge lies in its collaboration with Pakatan Harapan, which still requires time to strengthen.”
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