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

Analysts have stated that while the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, primarily PAS, have strengths, translating that momentum into winning seats in the Melaka state elections is not guaranteed. Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri, a Global Asia Consulting analyst, emphasized that the coalition needs to consider the root support base in the state when targeting specific seats.

PN's primary focus on PAS's strengths should not be measured by the number of seats they have secured in earlier discussions with the Barisan Nasional (BN) bloc, but by the actual number of seats they can realistically win. He pointed out that each constituency has its unique demographics, candidate pool, election history, and voter turnout, which must be taken into account before PN sets its sights on any target seat.

He reminded that BN was not overly pleased with their narrow 21 out of 28 seat victory in the 2021 Melaka PRN, and this victory was based on a narrow majority, not just the status of the incumbent. PN's Idris Ahmad, also the vice president of PAS, was quoted saying that the coalition does not wish to request seats that do not align with their strengths, and upcoming polls will need to consider the current political climate, not just the status quo.

PAS has also stressed that no party can assume that any particular demographic will continue to support them as political dynamics are constantly evolving, particularly among younger voters. Following BN-PN's large win in the Negeri Sembilan PRN, BN Chairman Zahid Hamidi announced the continuation of the coalition's partnership for the Melaka PRN, but later clarified that BN would retain their 21 seats won in the previous election and remain open to working with other political groups.

Political observer A Aziz Azizam from Universiti Teknologi Mara suggested that PAS's interest in certain seats is not necessarily a direct challenge to Umno, but rather a search for a beneficial cooperative formula between the two parties. He stressed that both BN and PAS need to identify the constituency with the best chance of victory, including considering strategic distribution to avoid a three-way contest.

He believed that such cooperation could be vital for BN to retake Melaka. He also suggested that such cooperation could open opportunities for BN and PN to increase their seat count, especially in the DN seats not won by Umno in the 2021 PRN. The remaining seven DN seats include Bemban and Sungai Udang for PN, while PH holds five seats - Bandar Hilir, Ayer Keroh, Kesidang, Kota Laksamana, and Bukit Katil.