PAS in stronger position than Umno in Melaka, says analyst

Despite PAS's stronghold in northern and eastern states, a political analyst contends the Islamic party is in a stronger position than Umno in the state of Melaka. Analyst Wong Chin Huat of Sunway University asserts PAS's influence extends beyond traditional strongholds, citing the 2022 general election (GE15) results. Under PAS leadership, Perikatan Nasional (PN) secured a significant number of seats in Perak, Selangor, and Melaka, where Umno's Barisan Nasional (BN) failed to win any parliamentary seats.

In contrast, Pakatan Harapan (PH) and PN garnered three seats each in Melaka. New voters largely backed PN over BN, while PH managed to rally its supporters to vote. In the upcoming 2023 Melaka state polls, the consolidation of BN and PAS votes, along with the decline of PH support, will be crucial factors. PAS is projected to lead in 13 seats, including the Tanjung Bidara seat held by chief minister and state Umno chairman Ab Rauf Yusoh.

The analyst questions how many seats each bloc would contest, predicting PAS could emerge as the largest bloc in the state assembly if they form an alliance. Should PAS demand an equitable distribution of seats and more representatives in the state executive council, Umno's potential return as a solo player in Melaka could be jeopardized.

The Melaka state election is scheduled for November 14, with BN yet to confirm its alliances for the contest.