PAS could demand a more equal share of seats and greater representation in the Melaka state executive council if it forms an electoral alliance with Umno, a political analyst has said, citing the Islamic party’s support in the state.
Wong Chin Huat of Sunway University said the perception that PAS was only strong in its traditional northern and east coast strongholds was outdated, Sinar Harian reported.
He cited the 2022 general election (GE15), when Perikatan Nasional (PN), now led by PAS, won significantly more parliamentary seats than Barisan Nasional (BN) in Perak, Selangor and Melaka.
In Melaka, Umno-led BN failed to win any parliamentary seats, while Pakatan Harapan (PH) and PN secured three seats each.
PAS’ support in Melaka
Wong said new voters had largely supported PN over BN during GE15, while PH had succeeded in mobilising its supporters to vote.
He said two factors observed in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections could also influence the Melaka polls: the consolidation of BN and PAS support, and a decline in support for PH.
Wong said BN and ‘PAS Plus’ – referring to PAS and its PN allies – could win up to 24 seats in the Melaka state election, but questioned how the seats would be divided between the two blocs.
‘PAS is in the lead (in terms of support) in 13 seats, including the Tanjung Bidara seat previously won by chief minister and state Umno chairman Ab Rauf Yusoh,’ he said.
Questions over Umno’s position
Wong questioned whether Umno was in a stronger position than it had been during GE15, given the latest charges involving Tabung Haji and Felda, as well as developments surrounding Najib Razak’s house arrest bid and the alleged plot to oust the Negeri Sembilan ruler.
‘If Umno dares to go solo in Melaka, PAS Plus could end up becoming the largest bloc in the state assembly,’ he said.
Wong added that PAS would be expected to seek a more balanced seat allocation and more state executive councillor positions if the alliance won the election.
BN yet to confirm electoral pact
Melaka voters will go to the polls on Nov 14.
BN has yet to confirm its electoral alliances for the state election, although PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang has said the two sides have reached an agreement in principle.
