BN, PH have their own ‘formulas’ for Melaka polls, says analyst

A political analyst believes Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) have developed their own formulas for cooperation in the Melaka polls, despite stating an openness to discussions with one another.

Syaza Shukri of International Islamic University Malaysia said this was a strategic move to ensure that they gain the most from talks with prospective 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.

Akademi Nusantara’s Azmi Hassan expected Umno, in particular, to use PH’s openness to talks as leverage against PAS, especially for the allocation of seats.

He also noted that Melaka BN had deferred talks with potential allies to 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 these remarks as Khalid’s personal view.

PH election director Amirudin Shari also dismissed Khalid’s statement, saying the coalition was still keen on forging an alliance with BN in the Melaka polls.

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 polls.