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

Analysts suggest that Pakatan Harapan's decision to cede the Bemban seat to Bersatu in the upcoming Melaka election is driven by electoral considerations. Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara points out that DAP finished third in Bemban during the last state election, trailing both MCA and the eventual winner, Bersatu. He notes that Bersatu aims to reclaim the constituency from its former assemblyman, Dr Yadzil Yaakub, who defected to Wawasan.

This strategic move could help PH tap into Malay support that might otherwise be inaccessible. However, the uncertainty remains regarding whether PH would benefit politically from working with Bersatu, considering the latter's role in the Sheraton Move that led to the 2020 government collapse. James Chin of the University of Tasmania suggests that this arrangement would enable PH leaders to assess grassroots sentiment towards an alliance with Bersatu before deciding on broader cooperation.

Resentment over the Sheraton Move remains strong among PH supporters, who still blame Bersatu for the previous coalition's downfall. However, the impact on PH's internal relations is expected to be minimal, as DAP leaders have agreed to allow Bersatu to contest the seat. The arrangement drew objections from former Melaka DAP chairman Damian Yeo, who expressed his reluctance to support the move due to Bersatu's "past betrayals."

Despite this, PH election director Amirudin Shari urged all component parties to respect the collective decision to permit Bersatu to contest the Bemban seat in the upcoming Melaka state election scheduled for November 14.