Jangan hanya tuntut, PN perlu buktikan kerusi boleh menang, kata penganalisis

Analysts have noted that while Perikatan Nasional (PN) primarily comprises PAS, the party's roots and momentum in certain states may not necessarily translate into victory in each Melaka parliamentary constituency. Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri, a Global Asia Consulting analyst, stated that the focus should be on assessing the party's strength among the grassroots in the state, rather than simply aiming for a certain number of seats.

The analyst emphasized that each constituency has its unique demographics, candidate pool, election history, and voter support levels, all of which need to be considered before PAS sets its targets. He reminded that BN's narrow victory in 21 out of 28 Melaka seats in the 2021 PRN election should not lead to complacency, as election conditions change and voter loyalty is not guaranteed.

In response, PAS leader Idris Ahmad also stated that the party does not want to request seats that do not align with its strength, as the political landscape is constantly evolving, particularly among younger voters. The former BN-PN chairman Zahid Hamidi announced that BN would continue to work with PN for the Melaka PRN election, but he later clarified that BN will retain its 21 seats from the previous election and remains open to collaborating with other political groups.

Political observer A Aziz Azizam from Universiti Teknologi Mara suggested that PAS's interest in certain seats may not necessarily be a demand for Umno, but rather an effort to find mutually beneficial working relationships. He noted that BN and PAS need to identify which constituencies have the best chances of being won, including considering strategic distribution to avoid a three-way contest.

Azizam believes that such cooperation could be beneficial for both BN and PN to reclaim Melaka, potentially adding more seats, especially in those not won by Umno in the 2021 PRN. Currently, there are seven seats up for grabs, two of which are held by PN - Bemban and Sungai Udang; the remaining five belong to PH - Bandar Hilir, Ayer Keroh, Kesidang, Kota Laksamana, and Bukit Katil.