Don’t sacrifice principles in Bersatu pact, analyst tells PH

While pragmatism may be necessary in Malaysia’s fragmented political landscape, Pakatan Harapan must ensure that any electoral cooperation with former rival Bersatu does not come at the expense of its principles, says political analyst Awang Azman Pawi.

The Universiti Malaya academic said abandoning those principles without clear justification risked undermining public trust and the coalition’s long-term legitimacy.

“Working with former rivals is not inherently wrong, particularly in coalition politics. However, PH must explain what has changed since the 2020 political crisis and why cooperation with Bersatu would benefit voters.

“Pragmatism may win elections, but principles sustain long-term legitimacy,” he told FMT.

Awang Azman was commenting on former Melaka DAP chairman Damian Yeo’s decision to boycott PH’s campaign for the Nov 14 state election over talk of a possible electoral understanding with Bersatu.

Yeo had cited Bersatu’s role in the collapse of the PH-led federal and Melaka governments in 2020 following the Sheraton Move, saying the political betrayal was too difficult to forget or forgive.

Awang Azman said political pragmatism has given way to political expediency, with alliances driven purely by the pursuit of power rather than clear principles, policy commitments or accountability for past actions.

“The Sheraton Move remains significant because it contributed to the collapse of an elected government. Negotiating political realignments without sufficient grassroots consultation risks generating resentment,” he said.

Electoral reality versus political memory

Analyst Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara argued that while PH should be mindful of Bersatu’s past actions, its current political position must also be considered.

“Bersatu is desperate right now. The party has no influence, power or strategy with which to backstab PH,” he said.

Azmi said cooperation with Bersatu could help PH secure some support from Malay voters, although the gains were likely to be limited.

He said remaining overly focused on past political developments risked making parties less relevant to the current political landscape, pointing to Barisan Nasional’s cooperation with Perikatan Nasional in Negeri Sembilan as an example of how electoral considerations can bring former rivals together.

Azmi said PH had to consider the potential benefits of cooperation with Bersatu alongside the political risks of alienating supporters who remain opposed to working with the party.

“This is the reality not only for Melaka but also for the country as a whole,” he said.

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