PH perlu akar umbi bukan sekadar bentuk pakatan baharu, kata penganalisis

Analysts warn that merely forming a new political alliance is not sufficient for Pakatan Harapan (PH) to succeed in winning Malay voters. Instead, the group must strengthen its root and branch unity, according to Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid, a professor from Universiti Sains Malaysia. Fauzi points out that PH's current weakness lies in its lack of strong leadership figures, especially as PKR President Anwar Ibrahim, nearing 80 years old, relies heavily on the party.

He suggests that PH should consider an inclusive strategy and political alliance, diverging from the outdated three-party model, which he deems outdated. Currently, PH is affiliated with PKR, DAP, and Amanah. Fauzi anticipates that recent losses in the previous general elections might prompt the coalition to consider immediate changes, such as opening up more space for former party leaders, despite the possibility of former leaders' past issues.

While DAP might be wary of those involved in the 2020 Sheraton incident, PH needs a Malay-Muslim-rooted diversity to succeed. PKR and Amanah have struggled to reach this demographic, and therefore, they may expect more than just 'miracles' from former leaders who now join Bersatu. Wong Chin Huat, a political analyst from Universiti Sunway, cautions PH to be cautious not to make this alliance expansion appear opportunistic or willing to compromise principles for power.

He advises PH and PKR to emulate Umno's approach to becoming a 'Nation Home' cautiously, as reformist voters prioritize principles. Wong warns that if PKR is perceived as too opportunistic, it could alienate reformist voters towards Bersatu, which is now trying to attract that very group. He emphasizes that if PKR wishes to reconcile with former leaders like Azmin, it cannot act as if the 2020 Sheraton incident never happened.

"It's not just inviting him back to PKR to fill the leadership vacuum," Wong cautions. "To reconcile, do so through principled reformist means from an idealistic democratic standpoint."