Perikatan Nasional is reportedly recycling its political attacks against the cooperation between Umno and DAP in Perak as the coalition finds it difficult to make inroads into mixed seats essential for winning the state.
Syaza Shukri from the International Islamic University Malaysia noted that the opposition coalition is focusing this narrative on Malay voters, particularly those who remain skeptical of the current unity government.
While she observed a slight shift in Malay support toward Perikatan Nasional in Perak, she expressed doubt that this momentum is sufficient to allow the coalition to take over the state administration in the upcoming election.
Challenges in mixed constituencies
Syaza explained that focusing on Malay rhetoric is a deliberate strategy because the coalition is struggling to penetrate mixed seats. However, she pointed out that this does not reflect the entire political landscape of the state, which remains evenly split.
She highlighted that some Malay voters are actually perceived to be returning to Umno. This trend was evidenced during the Ayer Kuning by-election in April last year, where Umno representative Yusri Bakir defended the seat with an increased majority compared to the 2022 general election results.
Despite these figures, Perak Bersatu chief Ahmad Faizal Azumu recently claimed that public sentiment suggests a potential change in the state government. He argued that dissatisfaction over the alliance between former rivals Umno and DAP has negatively affected Malay voters.
Internal crises and leadership quality
Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri of Global Asia Consulting dismissed such claims as a morale-boosting strategy for supporters. He warned that even securing 70 percent of the Malay vote would not guarantee a victory if the coalition fails to address its internal issues.
Zaharuddin pointed to the coalition’s failure to name a new opposition leader and agree on a candidate for prime minister as significant hurdles. He emphasized that the alliance needs to present a high-quality lineup of leaders to be taken seriously by the broader electorate.
The necessity of an inclusive strategy
The analyst further warned that neglecting the strength of component parties like Gerakan and the Malaysian Indian People’s Party would be detrimental in mixed seats. These constituencies are often the deciding factor in who holds power in Perak.
Zaharuddin stressed that without an inclusive strategy and leaders capable of gaining the trust of non-Malay voters, claims of a public desire for the coalition’s return remain empty slogans.
He concluded that the political environment in Perak requires more than just utilizing the Umno-DAP issue to gain sympathy. To succeed, the coalition must resolve its internal conflicts and propose policies that appeal to all segments of the state’s diverse society.
