Amanah’s GE16 seat plan hints at PH-Bersatu alliance

Amanah has proposed to contest 32 parliamentary seats in the 16th general election (GE16), indicating potential collaboration with Pakatan Harapan (PH) and former component Bersatu, suggests political analyst Azmil Tayeb. In the 2022 GE15, Amanah contested 54 federal seats, compared to 34 in the 2018 GE14 when Bersatu was part of PH and allocated 53 seats.

This plan suggests PH may be making room for Bersatu by asking Amanah to relinquish some contested seats, as Amanah is currently PH's primary vehicle in Malay-majority constituencies. However, political analyst Asrul Sani says Amanah's focus on fewer constituencies reflects its weak electoral reach in Malay heartlands. Amanah won 11 parliamentary seats in 2018, declining to eight in GE15, and has only won one seat in the recent Johor election and failed to win any in Negeri Sembilan and Sabah.

Asrul warns of a possible GE16 wipeout for Amanah if Umno and PAS form an alliance, citing the party's poor performance in recent state elections. Despite the risks, Amanah's continued presence in PH will depend on its ability to attract enough Malay voters to remain relevant.