PH weighs going solo in Melaka polls as seat talks with BN hit impasse
KUALA LUMPUR: Going solo has emerged as Pakatan Harapan’s most strategic option for the upcoming Melaka state polls as cooperation with Barisan Nasional has reached an impasse, political analysts said.
Pakatan Harapan (PH) is considering a bold move to contest all state seats in the upcoming Melaka polls, as talks with Barisan Nasional (BN) have stalled. BN has vowed to defend all 21 seats they won in the 2021 election, leading to tensions. Acting PKR chief Adam Adli Abd Halim has stated that PH is ready to contest all 28 seats independently.
This declaration highlights the need for PH to develop its own electoral narrative, as political cooperation with BN may not automatically result in a state-level alliance. With BN holding a significant two-thirds majority, PH must shift its focus to safeguarding its five incumbent seats held by DAP and Amanah, while targeting a few mixed battlegrounds to maintain its regional influence.
The party's executive director, Hisommudin Bakar, emphasized that PH must be prepared for the polls, as political cooperation is a choice that each party can make independently. PH's strongest position lies in seats it currently holds or where it has a proven competitive record, particularly in urban and mixed constituencies. Political analysts predict that BN may retain most of the seats it previously won, making it challenging for PH to secure a majority.
However, PH still has a chance to win at least seven seats in Chinese-majority and urban mixed areas. PKR may face a tougher battle to reclaim lost territory unless it capitalizes on urban middle-class sentiment over national issues. Despite the challenges, PH's decision to go solo presents a formidable challenge for BN, forcing them to initiate formal talks on equitable terms.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
