BN bukan ‘kingmaker’, penganalisis kata PN lebih potensi jadi penentu di Melaka

Analysts argue that Barisan Nasional (BN) cannot be considered a kingmaker in the PRN Melaka, as the decision to seek a coalition partnership indicates the party might lack confidence in its own strength. Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri stated, "BN wants to be viewed as a kingmaker, but their efforts to seek coalition partners suggest they are measuring their own strength."

According to Global Asia Consulting, a true kingmaker is usually approached by others to ensure victory. If BN needs to secure a partner for a guarantee of success, its position is more dependent on the partner required in the coalition. Zahid Hamidi, the BN Chairman, noted that the coalition will consider the benefits and weaknesses before deciding on any political cooperation to face the PRN Melaka.

Zahid mentioned that the talks will take into account the state's political situation before moving to the national level for finalization. Chief Minister of Melaka, Ab Rauf Yusoh, who also chairs BN and Umno, was given the mandate to hold talks on the form of cooperation. Syaza Shukri, from Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia, said that BN's decision to seek a coalition partner indicates it might not be entirely confident to move forward alone.

"I do not see BN as a kingmaker. BN's position in Melaka is not so definitive based on the voting pattern in 2021 and 2022," she said. She added that the Perikatan Nasional (PN) has an advantage as it can attract Malay voter support and potentially undermine BN's chances. Syaza believes a BN-PN cooperation is more likely than a BN-Pakatan Harapan (PH) alliance, considering PH is perceived to have weaker bargaining power.

However, BN should avoid being too confident and failing to reach an agreement with any party. "If no party wants to cooperate, we might see a three-cornered contest ultimately not favoring BN," Syaza concluded.