Without partners, Bersatu risks losing more Malay ground, say analysts

Analysts have cautioned that Bersatu risks losing further ground among Malay voters if it does not find a new partner to face the next general election (GE16), especially with Umno and PAS expected to join forces in several states.

Syaza Shukri of International Islamic University Malaysia said Bersatu was already finding it hard to reckon with Umno and PAS on its own in seeking Malay support.

She said working with other parties would at least reduce multi-cornered fights and consolidate the support of voters opposed to Umno and PAS, especially in mixed demographic seats, thus benefiting Bersatu.

“Bersatu has already diminished in standing and become centred on its president Muhyiddin Yassin.

“I don’t see Bersatu being further divided, so I don’t think it would be difficult for the leadership to reach a decision (on alliances) that would be agreed on by all,” she told FMT.

Syaza also warned Bersatu and Muhyiddin against harbouring major political ambitions, saying this could stand in the way of a lasting agreement with its chosen partners.

At Bersatu’s 10-year anniversary celebration on Saturday, Muhyiddin said the party could not go solo in GE16 but must choose potential allies based on its principles.

The former prime minister sought to assure members that the Bersatu leadership would not compromise the party’s principles despite the need to find allies for its survival.

Muhyiddin also said Bersatu had already discussed a potential electoral agreement with Muda, while Putra had indicated its openness to working with Bersatu.

However, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Mazlan Ali said Bersatu would need a much stronger partner, like Pakatan Harapan, as the results of the Negeri Sembilan polls showed the strength of the Umno-PAS pact.

Bersatu went solo in the Aug 1 Negeri Sembilan polls but lost all 24 seats it contested.

“If Bersatu works with PH, they will be able to get non-Malay support and some Malay support, particularly solid Bersatu voters,” Mazlan said.

However, he said this would also depend on the type of seats allocated to Bersatu.