Pilihan ‘khemah besar’ PH terhad, kata penganalisis

Pakatan Harapan (PH) has limited options for expanding its "big tent" strategy, as it struggles to find political partners that can replace the values of Barisan Nasional (BN), according to political analyst Azmi Hassan. PH recognizes its need for Umno, as the party is finding it difficult to attract Malay voter support, which has become increasingly challenging.

While the idea of expanding PH's "big tent" by seeking new political partners has been suggested, such as through Amanah Deputy President Faiz Fadzil, the alternatives are scarce. The only potential ally, Bersatu, is currently facing challenges within Perikatan Nasional (PN) after its relationship with PAS dissolved in June. Faiz previously proposed that PH should broaden its concept of "big tent" by seeking new political partners if there are changes in the political relationship between Umno and PN.

The National Front (BN) and PH, along with several other parties, are forming a post-election coalition government, while PN is acting as the opposition. Both coalitions have collaborated on PRN (Party Representation List) in Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Pulau Pinang, Kedah, Terengganu, and Kelantan, as well as PRK, following that.

However, during the PRN in Johor on July 11, BN moved away from PH and formed an understanding with PN in PRN Negeri Sembilan on August 1, opposing PH. Analyst Syaza Shukri from Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia also questioned whether expanding the "big tent" by partnering with smaller parties like Muda and Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) would be enough to make PH more competitive.

Bringing Bersatu into the mix might face opposition from PH supporters, according to her. However, Mazlan Ali from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia believes that PH still has room to expand cooperation with other Malay parties to increase its support among Malay voters. PH does not necessarily have to rely solely on Umno and could consider working with Bersatu, Putra, or Berjasa, she added.

Such cooperation would not necessarily make PH lose its identity, as this kind of alliance has worked with Bersatu before in the 2014 general elections, leading to a coalition government in 2018.