BN the biggest winner if PN deregistration upheld, say analysts

The deregistration of Perikatan Nasional (PN) could prove advantageous for Barisan Nasional (BN), particularly its mainstay, Umno, according to analysts. Should the court uphold this decision, the impact on BN and Umno could be significant. Azmi Hassan from Akademi Nusantara asserts that the absence of PN could hinder PAS's ability to attract voters, potentially forcing the Islamic party to negotiate with BN for cooperation.

James Chin from the University of Tasmania concurs, stating that PN's presence was a point of contention in any future partnership with PAS, as demonstrated by Umno's insistence on directly engaging with PAS rather than PN. The group believes that PN's logo played a role in softening PAS's tough image, making it more appealing to non-Malay and non-Muslim voters.

This development could compel PAS to negotiate more favorable terms or reduce its demands for contested seats. BN has already committed to contesting all 21 of its 2021 Melaka state seats, including Rembia, despite the defection of one assemblyman to PAS. However, PAS has not yet finalized seat negotiations, leaving the outcome uncertain.

The Registrar of Societies (RoS) recently confirmed PN's deregistration due to its failure to justify its continued registration. The High Court has temporarily stayed the deregistration pending judicial review proceedings by PN. Chin argues that Umno stands to gain the most from PN's deregistration as it would remove one of the biggest obstacles to a direct Umno-PAS alliance.

The deregistration would allow PAS to concentrate on strengthening its alliance with Umno, potentially benefiting Wawasan, Pejuang, Gerakan, and MIPP, though at a cost to these groups' visibility and potential seats.