Parties’ weaknesses behind Melaka pact uncertainty, say analysts

Political parties in Malaysia are being urged to cooperate due to a lack of confidence in their own strengths, but this could create uncertainty for voters, according to analysts. Tawfik Yaakub, from Universiti Malaya, explains that parties are no longer solely relying on their geographical influence, voter segments, or outright poll victory, but are also considering electoral cooperation to avoid clash between parties and vote-splitting.

This is why parties are exploring different forms of cooperation, but the challenge lies in balancing electoral gains with the risk of losing their own identity and traditional base. The lack of clear communication from political leaders has created mixed signals, with Pakatan Harapan initially stating they wouldn't work with Barisan Nasional or Perikatan Nasional, only to later suggest a potential cooperation with BN or Bersatu in Melaka.

Meanwhile, Barisan Nasional has kept its options open, while Bersatu has ruled out any pacts for the Melaka polls. This lack of clarity could lead to three perceptions among voters: a lack of clear direction from parties, decisions driven mainly by elite negotiations, and changing positions from day to day. Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri of Global Asia Consulting emphasizes that voters should not only consider seat arithmetic but also the party's history, administrative records, leadership track records, controversies, and voters' perceptions.

Voters are increasingly questioning what post-election pact their party is likely to strike, as seat arithmetic may decide who has enough numbers to form a government, but not how it governs. Both analysts agree that disputes could arise after a government is formed, especially over the distribution of posts, economic policy, identity issues, federal-state relations, and matters central to each party's identity.

The challenge after the next general election (GE16) will be for parties to move beyond a "coalition of numbers" to a "coalition of purpose".