Bersama’s Selangor target difficult to achieve if party goes solo, says analyst
BERSAMA’S plan to contest every parliamentary and state seat in Selangor faces a major test of whether the fledgling party can build an electoral base without an alliance with established parties, says political analyst Dr Azmi Hassan. Azmi, of the N...
Political analyst Dr Azmi Hassan has expressed doubt that Bersama can accomplish its Selangor target if the party opts to run without an alliance. Dr Azmi made his remarks in response to former Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung's assertion that Bersama is targeting Selangor with the intention of ultimately governing the state. Lee, who recently joined Bersama, highlighted the party's view that Selangor offers the most significant opportunity due to its urban electorate and the presence of key Bersama leaders in the Klang Valley.
However, Dr Azmi pointed to Bersama's performance in Johor as a potential hindrance to their success in Selangor and beyond. He pointed out that Bersama contested 15 seats in the Johor state election and failed to win any. Additionally, Bersama did not contest in Negeri Sembilan and plans to contest 16 seats in the upcoming Melaka state election.
Dr Azmi noted that the Johor result provides little evidence that Bersama can achieve a breakthrough by contesting independently. He further argued that Perikatan Nasional's interest in Selangor is on a different footing due to its established political machinery and prior electoral performance in the state. Dr Azmi also cited the advantage of Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, a former Selangor menteri besar, whose political base and experience provide a more established footing for an alliance involving Bersatu.
Bersama has not yet demonstrated its ability to win the state without an alliance, according to Dr Azmi. Lee of Bersama believes the party aims to secure between 10 and 20 parliamentary seats, primarily in urban constituencies, which could wield significant influence if a hung government or narrow majority emerges in the next Parliament.
However, Dr Azmi believes Bersama's performance in Melaka will serve as a more immediate gauge of whether the party possesses the necessary political strength for its long-term goals. If there is still no positive result for Bersama in Melaka, it would further complicate their prospects in Selangor.
Written by urgent.news from The Vibes's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
