Tema ‘penyatuan Melayu’ dorong pengundi Cina sokong DAP, kata penganalisis

Analysts suggest that the focus on the "unity of Malays-Islam" theme, championed by PAS and the Barisan Nasional (BN), has prompted Chinese voters in Melaka to support the DAP and Pakatan Harapan (PH), helping the latter maintain its strong position, according to Oh Ei Sun from the Singapore International Islamic Law Institute. The political cooperation between PN and BN resulted in 24 out of 28 contested seats, while DAP won all four PH-allocated seats, securing control of two major Chinese strongholds, Bandar Hilir, Kota Laksamana, and the mixed Kesidang and Ayer Keroh.

Analyst Azmil Tayeb from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) believes Chinese voters are not very confident in the "unification of Malays-Islam" theme, especially when PAS is actively involved in promoting it. Another analyst, Mazlan Ali from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), stated that the "unification of Malays-Islam" theme is strengthening Umno's favorable position in their strongholds in Johor, Negeri Sembilan, and Melaka.

He said, "PH cannot seize the narrative of the unification of Malays-Islam promoted by Umno and PAS." Reformist issues and internal party conflicts within PKR, according to Oh, have eroded trust among voters and encouraged them to leave for Bersatu. Azmil Tayeb noted that the trend in voting along ethnic lines does not bode well for multi-ethnic parties like PKR, and they can only benefit if PN and BN contest separately.

The loss of UMNO's vice-president, Adly Zahari, also hurt them as he lost against a PAS candidate in a one-on-one contest. Both analysts believe the lack of trust in PH among Malay voters has contributed to their support shifting towards the BN-PN bloc. Azmil believes PH needs to fight harder to highlight its achievements in addressing daily concerns and economic issues.

Mazlan Ali suggests that PH should cooperate with Malay non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to expand its influence among Malays. He stated, "Whenever Umno and PAS join forces, Malay people tend to support them rather than PH." Oh believes PH should conduct further introspection after this recent electoral defeat, with only a year left before the 2016 general election.

He urges PKR President Anwar Ibrahim to strengthen the party, although he doubts whether it can be achieved. This is the fourth consecutive loss for PH, following similar setbacks in PRN Sabah, Johor, and Negeri Sembilan.