PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional (BN) should adopt a firmer position against PAS if it wants to dispel allegations of a ‘tacit understanding’ with Perikatan Nasional (PN) to form the next Johor state government, according to an analyst.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia political analyst Mazlan Ali said simply denying the allegations would not be enough, particularly if BN’s election campaign appears more focused on attacking Pakatan Harapan (PH) and other parties than PAS.
He said BN must clearly demonstrate that PAS is not a coalition partner from which it expects political gains.
PAS strategy raises questions
Mazlan said PAS’ decision not to contest several seats to avoid direct clashes with Umno could be viewed as a strategic move with long-term political implications.
He said if the strategy helps Umno secure victories by preventing a split in the Malay vote, it could create opportunities for future political negotiations.
The speculation emerged after former DAP Mengkibol assemblyman Chew Chong Sin claimed there was a secret understanding between BN and PN in the Johor state election, pointing to PN’s decision to field candidates in only 33 constituencies.
Only BN and PH are contesting all 56 state seats. A simple majority of 29 seats is required to form the next Johor government.
Johor Umno has rejected the allegation, maintaining that BN has not held any discussions with PN.
BN and PAS maintain different positions
Johor BN chairman and Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi has said BN intends to govern Johor independently if it wins the July 11 state election.
Meanwhile, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang said the party aims to serve as an ‘adviser’ to the state government from the opposition benches.
Despite this, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin expressed confidence that PN could secure enough seats to form the next state government.
Analysts see room for future cooperation
Universiti Malaya analyst Tawfik Yaakub said cooperation between BN and PAS should not be ruled out, noting that BN has become increasingly pragmatic in its political approach.
He said BN understands the importance of remaining in government to preserve its political influence, party machinery and grassroots support after experiencing time in the opposition.
Tawfik also said cooperation with PAS may reflect the preferences of many Umno grassroots members, although differing views among senior leaders prevented both parties from working together during the 15th General Election.
He added that since both PAS and Umno-BN had previously worked with DAP, there was no reason they could not explore a new political arrangement without Bersatu.
Earlier this month, PAS ended its political cooperation with Bersatu. However, both parties remain components of PN and are contesting the Johor state election under the coalition’s banner.
