Without partners, Bersatu risks losing more Malay ground, say analysts

Analysts warn that without a partner, the Bersatu party risks further losses among Malay voters in the next general election (GE16). At its 10-year anniversary celebration, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin stated that the party cannot contest GE16 alone but must select potential allies based on its principles. However, experts caution that Bersatu must find a strong partner, as its recent experience in the Negeri Sembilan polls showed.

In those elections, Bersatu contested all 24 seats but lost them all, facing Umno and PAS together. Syaza Shukri of the International Islamic University Malaysia noted that Bersatu is already struggling to compete with Umno and PAS on its own in seeking Malay support. She argued that working with other parties could help reduce competitive fights and gain the backing of voters opposed to Umno and PAS, particularly in mixed demographic seats.

However, Bersatu leadership must avoid pursuing major political ambitions, as this could hinder a lasting agreement with its chosen partners, according to Syaza.