PH Plus seen as possible lifeline for Bersatu in Melaka [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: An electoral understanding under the Pakatan Harapan Plus framework may be the most practical path forward for Bersatu following its split with Pas.

Universiti Malaya political analyst Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub said Bersatu was likely to explore new electoral arrangements as going solo would be a high-risk option.

He said making a new pact was a priority to avoid isolation and prevent multi-cornered contests from eroding its support.

"A PH Plus arrangement may be the most practical avenue if formal cooperation with Pas is no longer possible," he said.

"However, this depends on whether both sides can agree on a limited, seat-by-seat understanding rather than a full political alliance."

On Saturday, Melaka PH said it was finalising negotiations with parties that shared similar aspirations, including Bersatu, to form a PH Plus collaboration to contest the Melaka election.

Melaka PH chairman Adly Zahari said the negotiations were being conducted based on decisions made at a PH presidential council meeting.

"The negotiations also included Bersatu, but any form of cooperation will only be announced after the negotiation process has been completed," he said.

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Tawfik said cooperation with Barisan Nasional remained unlikely given their direct competition for Malay support and unresolved political differences.

"Retaining its (single) seat will be difficult if Bersatu faces Pas, BN and PH separately. Its advantage will depend heavily on the strength of local candidates, incumbency, grassroots machinery, and whether Malay votes are fragmented among several blocs."

As for other seats, he said that would only be realistic if Bersatu secured an electoral pact or a strategic understanding that prevented three- or four-cornered fights.

"Without such mechanisms, the contest will descend into a battle of machinery, local credibility and vote consolidation."

While contesting under its own logo remains an option, Tawfik said Bersatu carried significant electoral risk.

"Bersatu may, therefore, prefer a selective electoral pact, potentially under the PH Plus framework, to protect strategic seats and reduce vote-splitting.

"The main issue is whether such an arrangement can be accepted by PH supporters and Bersatu's grassroots without causing backlash or weakening campaign mobilisation."

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities Associate Professor Dr Mazlan Ali said PH Plus could be an ideal choice because, apart from PH, no political party or coalition was equal in strength to BN and Pas.

"I believe Bersatu will establish ties with other coalitions to boost its strength and chances of winning, because contesting solo would split votes.

"PH is the best option for Bersatu in the Melaka election."

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He added that Bersatu had a 50-50 chance of retaining the Sungai Udang seat and winning back Bemban but with PH, it would stand a better chance.

Bersatu won both seats in the previous election, but its Bemban assemblyman was later expelled from the party.

"I do not expect Bersatu to win more seats unless it is a fight involving BN, Pas and PH."

Melaka will hold its 16th election soon following the dissolution of the state assembly yesterday.

The Melaka assembly has 28 seats, with BN having won 21 in the previous election.