Bersatu risks losing further ground among Malay voters if it fails to find a new partner for the next general election (GE16), analysts have cautioned, particularly as Umno and PAS are expected to work together in several states.
Syaza Shukri of the International Islamic University Malaysia said Bersatu was already finding it difficult to compete with Umno and PAS for Malay support on its own.
She said working with other parties could at least reduce multi-cornered contests and consolidate support among voters opposed to Umno and PAS, particularly in mixed constituencies.
“Bersatu has already diminished in standing and become centred on its president Muhyiddin Yassin.
“I don’t see Bersatu being further divided, so I don’t think it would be difficult for the leadership to reach a decision (on alliances) that would be agreed on by all,” she told FMT.
Syaza also warned Bersatu and Muhyiddin against harbouring major political ambitions, saying this could hinder efforts to establish a lasting agreement with their chosen partners.
Muhyiddin says Bersatu cannot go solo
At Bersatu’s 10th anniversary celebration on Saturday, Muhyiddin said the party could not contest GE16 alone but must choose potential allies based on its principles.
The former prime minister sought to assure party members that the Bersatu leadership would not compromise its principles despite the need to find allies for the party’s survival.
Muhyiddin also said Bersatu had discussed a potential electoral agreement with Muda, while Putra had indicated that it was open to working with Bersatu.
Stronger partner needed, says analyst
However, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Mazlan Ali said Bersatu would need a much stronger partner, such as Pakatan Harapan, with the Negeri Sembilan polls showing the strength of the Umno-PAS pact.
Bersatu went solo in the Aug 1 Negeri Sembilan polls but lost all 24 seats it contested.
“If Bersatu works with PH, they will be able to get non-Malay support and some Malay support, particularly solid Bersatu voters,” Mazlan said.
However, he said this would also depend on the type of seats allocated to Bersatu.
