PH, Bersatu seen as avoiding publicity for Melaka polls pact

Analysts suggest Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Bersatu have chosen to keep their pact in the Melaka polls low-key for strategic reasons. Mazlan Ali, an analyst from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, posits that both parties wish to avoid direct association, primarily due to strong opposition from the DAP, a component of PH. The DAP has openly expressed its discontent with the partnership.

An analyst believes PH and Bersatu have a tacit understanding to work together, even though it is not formally announced. This understanding stems from shared aims to counter the "Malay-Muslim" narrative promoted by Umno and PAS. On October 29, Muhyiddin Yassin, the Bersatu president, and five other Bersatu MPs signed a confidence and supply agreement with the government, agreeing to support Anwar Ibrahim's government until the parliamentary term's end and to vote in favor of the 2027 Budget.

In the upcoming Melaka state election, PH is contesting 24 seats, while Bersatu is aiming for seven, with three seats in common. PH election director Amirudin Shari has confirmed an agreement with Bersatu, but Bersatu has not disclosed the specifics of how PH will assist its candidates in the Nov 14 polls. PH has also refrained from instructing its members and supporters to back Bersatu in contested seats.

PH chief Adly Zahari has distanced himself from the Bersatu pact, emphasizing that his party has its own plans for the Melaka polls and will focus on its objectives. Nonetheless, he acknowledges that multi-cornered contests could enhance PH's chances of victory. Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid from Universiti Sains Malaysia believes Bersatu was expected to align with PH after its dispute with PAS in June.

He cites influential former PKR members like Azmin Ali as potential supporters within PH. The Sheraton Move remains a contentious issue for PH, which has not ordered its machinery to directly support Bersatu candidates to avoid alienating supporters and potentially giving away seats to the BN-PN coalition. This strategy could benefit Bersatu in PH-averse seats, potentially undermining BN and PN's prospects.