Melaka polls show PAS can’t win non-Malay votes even with BN alliance

The Melaka polls revealed that the Barisan Nasional-Perikatan Nasional coalition had managed to secure the Malay votes, but struggled to win over the non-Malay electorate, according to analysts. PAS, the dominant figure in the alliance, failed to break through among non-Malay voters, making it hard for Perikatan Nasional to make gains in areas where the Democratic Action Party (DAP) holds strong influence.

Analyst Syaza Shukri of International Islamic University Malaysia explained that the lack of trust between PAS and non-Malay voters is a significant barrier, making it difficult for the coalition to make headway in DAP strongholds. She emphasized that while the alliance between BN and PN has managed to appeal to Malay voters, it has fallen short in connecting with non-Malay voters who are more aligned with DAP.

Awang Azman Pawi of Universiti Malaya echoed this sentiment, stating that despite the presence of non-Malay components within PN like Gerakan, urban voters continue to view the coalition through the lens of PAS's identity politics. He noted that while Umno and PAS secured the Malay votes, their efforts to sway non-Malay voters were ineffective.

This analysis highlights the challenge PN faces in appealing to non-Malay voters and sets the stage for potential difficulties in expanding their influence beyond Malay constituencies.