PAS dalam kedudukan lebih kukuh daripada Umno di Melaka, kata penganalisis

Politik analyst Wong Chin Huat asserts that PAS finds itself in a stronger position than Umno in Melaka, and predicts the Islamic party will play a larger role than merely being a junior partner if both parties form an alliance. Wong, from Sunway University, remarked that PAS's perceived strength is limited to the regions where its base resides in the north and east coasts, now outdated.

He referenced the 2022 general election (PRU15) results where Perikatan Nasional (PN) — now led by PAS — secured significantly more parliamentary seats than Barisan Nasional (BN) in Perak and Selangor, even in Melaka. In Melaka, BN led by Umno failed to win any parliamentary seats, while Pakatan Harapan and PN each claimed three seats.

Wong attributed this situation to new voters who largely supported PN over BN, while PH managed to mobilize their supporters to vote. The 2022 general election (PRN) in Johor and Negeri Sembilan, two factors, remain relevant in Melaka: the amalgamation of BN and PAS voters, and the decline in support for PH. According to Wong, BN and PAS Plus — referring to the Islamic party and PN coalition — could secure up to 24 seats in Melaka's PRN, but questions the distribution of seats to each bloc.

PAS leads (in terms of support) in 13 seats, including Tanjung Bidara, which was previously won by Umno's Chief Minister and Deputy President of PAS (Ab Rauf Yusoh). Wong wonders if Umno is now stronger than PRN15 (given the recent controversies involving Tabung Haji, Felda, Najib Razak's home, and the plot to topple the Negeri Sembilan government?).

He suggests that if Umno dares to go solo (in Melaka), PAS Plus may become the largest bloc in the Dewan Undangan Negeri. He forecasts PAS will demand a more balanced distribution of seats and more representatives in the State Assembly, if their alliance wins PRN. Melaka voters will go to the polls on November 14.