Any PH-Bersatu ‘reunion’ in Selangor would be about survival, says analyst

A political analyst has stated that a potential reunion between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Bersatu in Selangor would primarily revolve around the parties' survival in the current political landscape. Hisommudin Bakar of Ilham Centre noted that both PH and Bersatu experienced significant losses in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan elections, where Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) managed to secure Malay votes.

Additionally, PH faces a trust deficit among Malay voters, while Bersatu's relationship with PAS within PN has weakened its position.

The analyst emphasized that PH and Bersatu's circumstances could align in Selangor, but this would not be a mere desperate maneuver by PH to retain Selangor at any cost. Instead, it is a calculated strategic adjustment, as the parties recognize their limitations and seek new political formulas. PH's menteri besar Amirudin Shari had previously indicated a willingness to cooperate with PN or Bersatu, provided they prioritize political stability and the people's interests.

This led to questions from the DAP about whether the matter had been discussed or decided by PH's presidential council, and whether DAP had also considered such an alliance.

The analyst pointed out that PH and Bersatu had previously collaborated from 2016 to 2020, during which PH relied on Bersatu's support to engineer the Sheraton Move, leading to the collapse of the PH government in February 2020. Despite concerns about potential backlash, the analyst argued that voters are now more aware that political alliances are not permanent. He suggested that the real risk to PH lies in failing to explain the necessity of cooperation, rather than partnering with Bersatu.

Both PH and Bersatu might struggle to gain the support of their grassroots members for such a partnership, but the analyst believed that this obstacle is not insurmountable. If PH and Bersatu can demonstrate that cooperation is essential for a stable government, to prevent vote-splitting, and to present a more competitive political alternative, acceptance could gradually increase.

Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani of Global Asia Consulting expressed skepticism, highlighting the challenge of reconciling the contrasting political narratives of PH and Bersatu. He questioned how PH could explain the sudden partnership with its former adversary, given that Bersatu's identity often revolved around opposing PH. Zaharuddin also raised concerns about whether PH's confidence in its political machinery would justify such a strategic move, warning that Selangor should not become an experiment in political convenience.