‘Disagreement’ over Melaka seats casts doubt on Umno-PAS pact in GE16

A dispute over the distribution of seats in Melaka has raised questions about the cooperation between Barisan Nasional (BN) and the Islamic party PAS in the upcoming 16th general election (GE16). BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that BN would contest 21 of the 28 state seats, while PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan claimed that the seat distribution had not been finalized. The lack of agreement on the seat allocation has cast doubt on the possibility of a successful partnership between the two parties in GE16.

Analysts, such as Syaza Shukri from International Islamic University Malaysia, believe that Melaka serves as a litmus test for cooperation between BN and PAS. Syaza noted that PAS's public denial of finalized seat negotiations speaks volumes about the challenges in forming a unified front. BN's Zahid Hamidi reiterated that BN would contest 21 of Melaka's seats, while PAS would vie for the remaining seven.

However, PAS's Hassan clarified that the seat distribution was yet to be finalized, despite expressing confidence in the cooperation between the parties.

PAS and BN could face off in some seats while maintaining a cordial relationship and focusing their attacks on the opposition coalition, Pakatan Harapan, much like their strategy in Johor. Azmi Hassan of Nusantara Academy highlighted Melaka as a crucial test for BN-PAS cooperation, given the challenges posed by the number of seats offered to PAS and Wawasan. He pointed out that contesting DAP strongholds in Melaka would be a formidable task for PAS and Wawasan.

The remaining three seats in Melaka, Bukit Katil, Sungai Udang, and Bemban, were previously held by BN, Bersatu, and the last BN candidate won the seat twice. Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia expressed concern over the current impasse in seat negotiations between Umno and PAS, suggesting that forming an alliance for GE16 would be challenging. However, Mazlan believed that BN would still prefer to work with PAS in Melaka, despite the potential for split votes in Malay-majority areas.