Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) may already have their own formulas for cooperation in the Melaka state election, despite publicly remaining open to discussions with each other, a political analyst says.
International Islamic University Malaysia political scientist Syaza Shukri said the approach could be a strategic move to ensure both sides gained the most from negotiations with potential allies.
“I believe they have already reached a ‘basis’ for cooperation. For example, the dinner between PH and Bersatu leaders the other day.
“It’s just that they may have issued the statement that the ‘game is open’ in order to reach the formula they want,” she told FMT.
Umno could use PH talks as leverage
Akademi Nusantara analyst Azmi Hassan said Umno, in particular, could use PH’s openness to negotiations as leverage in its discussions with PAS, especially over seat allocations.
He also noted that Melaka BN had deferred talks with potential allies until next week.
“This is a strategy to force PAS, and by extension Perikatan Nasional (PN), to accept Umno’s alliance proposal. Otherwise, Umno can work with PH,” he said.
On Tuesday, Amanah communications director Khalid Samad said PH was open to working with any party except BN and PN.
However, Melaka Amanah chief Ashraf Mukhlis Minghat dismissed the remarks as Khalid’s personal view.
PH election director Amirudin Shari also dismissed Khalid’s statement, saying the coalition remained keen to forge an alliance with BN in the Melaka polls.
Alliance options remain open
BN, the ruling coalition in Melaka, has refrained from committing to an alliance for the state election, despite previously stating its intention to continue working with PN.
The BN-PN pact secured a two-thirds majority in the Aug 1 Negeri Sembilan state election.
