PH-Bersatu’s Bemban pact driven by electoral considerations, says analyst

An analyst has stated that the decision by Pakatan Harapan to cede the Bemban seat to Bersatu for the upcoming Melaka election is driven by electoral factors, particularly Bersatu's stronger appeal among Malay voters in the constituency. Azmi Hassan, an analyst with Akademi Nusantara, noted that the DAP had trailed behind both MCA and Bersatu in the last state election, finishing a distant third in Bemban.

Azmi suggested that Bersatu's goal is to reclaim the seat from its former assemblyman, Dr Yadzil Yaakub, who defected to Wawasan in 2021. The arrangement, according to Azmi, could help PH tap into Malay support that may be challenging for DAP to secure. However, the analyst remains uncertain whether PH will benefit politically from cooperating with Bersatu, given the party's involvement in the Sheraton Move that led to the 2020 government collapse.

James Chin, from the University of Tasmania, said the move would enable PH leaders to assess grassroots sentiment towards an alliance with Bersatu before deciding on wider cooperation. Chin also pointed out that resentment over the Sheraton Move continues to be strong among PH supporters, many of whom still blame Bersatu for the previous government's downfall.

However, he believed the arrangement is unlikely to significantly impact relations within the coalition, as DAP leaders have agreed to allow Bersatu to contest the seat. PH election director Amirudin Shari urged all component parties to respect the coalition's collective decision to allow Bersatu in the Bemban seat, made in understanding between PH and Bersatu.

Former DAP Melaka chairman Damian Yeo has voiced opposition, citing past "betrayals" by Bersatu. Local DAP members also expressed disappointment that the party was not nominated for the seat, despite their long-standing efforts to build support for the coalition in Bemban.