The People’s Progressive Party’s（PPP） return to Barisan Nasional today offers slim gains beyond polishing the coalition’s multi-ethnic image, analysts tell FMT.
It may ease non-Malay jitters over Umno’s grand Malay alliance talk, but won’t tip votes.
Image Over Impact
International Islamic University Malaysia’s Syaza Shukri notes PPP’s BN dependence made rejoining logical after its deregistration and 2023 revival.
“It projects BN as moderate and inclusive,” she says of the multi-ethnic party, founded 1953 and BN-linked since 1974.
Yet PPP risks token status in Umno-led BN, sparking member frustration or splits.
Renewal Challenges
PPP must carve a real role, renew its outdated brand, grow grassroots, and add value, Syaza warns.
Young voters offer a fresh start if PPP woos the disaffected.
Harsh Verdict
University of Tasmania’s James Chin dismisses PPP as a “lost cause” and “mosquito party”.
BN seeks expansion like its 14-party peak; PPP hunts seats but gets losers, he predicts.
Contest success? Just retaining deposits.
BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi confirmed re-admission via Registrar of Societies on November 25 last week.
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