Common cause will give BN-PN reason to keep going, says analyst

Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional have formed an informal alliance for the upcoming Negeri Sembilan election, but their compatibility is questionable, according to political analyst Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri. While history shows that short-term alliances can withstand pressure, cracks may appear when interests are not aligned, making a divorce inevitable.

Former DAP leader Ronnie Liu believes the BN-PN partnership will not survive until the next general election, as both coalitions plan to compete fiercely for seats, particularly since Umno and PAS largely vie for the same voter base. However, Zaharuddin suggests that the two coalitions will remain together despite their imperfect compatibility, as they feel joining forces provides more advantages than rivalry.

The fundamental question is whether the alliance is based on compatibility or mathematical advantage. The upcoming general election will be the real test for the BN-PN "marriage of necessity". Disputes among the parties are expected, even if BN and PN form the next federal government, but they will strive to maintain cooperation as they realize the benefits of such an alliance.