PH has few options to widen ‘big tent’, say analysts
They say there are few alternatives to BN that can match its ability to attract Malay voters.
Pakatan Harapan (PH) faces limited opportunities to broaden its coalition, according to analysts. Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara explained that PH recognizes the necessity of Umno, as the party's capacity to draw Malay voters remains a challenge. Amid discussions about expanding PH's "big tent," Azmi highlighted that few other political partners can replicate BN's success in attracting Malay voters.
Azmi pointed out Bersatu as one potential ally for PH, though its influence in this area is still insufficient compared to Umno and BN. Faiz Fadzil of Amanah suggested PH should broaden its coalition with new partners if Umno-PN relations shifted, but Syaza Shukri of Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia questioned whether smaller parties like Muda and PSM could sufficiently strengthen PH.
Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, however, maintained that PH could still collaborate with Malay parties such as Bersatu, Putra, or Berjasa to augment its Malay voter base.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
