{
  "id": 8647505,
  "title": "PH-Bersatu pact can work, but trust, voter support crucial",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/ph-bersatu-pact-can-work-but-trust-voter-support-crucial",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-20T07:51:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/09/1536918/ph-bersatu-pact-can-work-trust-voter-support-crucial"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR: A coalition between former allies Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Bersatu could potentially succeed in Melaka, but its feasibility relies on rebuilding trust and increasing voter support, according to political analysts. Bersatu was part of PH's victorious coalition in the 14th General Election in 2018, but their departure during the Sheraton Move in 2020 led to the downfall of the PH government. Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub, a senior lecturer at Universiti Malaya, stated that cooperation could aid PH in gaining Malay support, but Bersatu would need to prove its electoral strength before demanding seats. He emphasized that winnability should come before party entitlement, requiring PH to balance PKR, DAP, and Amanah's interests against the advantages of including Bersatu. Tawfik also highlighted that memories of the Sheraton Move could make PH supporters skeptical of the arrangement, necessitating clear commitments and safeguards to regain confidence. The partnership requires a clear agenda, reliable candidates, and assurances to PH's existing supporters. Dr Syaza Shukri, a political analyst from International Islamic University Malaysia, noted that the parties' distinct voter bases create an opportunity for an electoral pact to prevent three-cornered contests without Bersatu rejoining PH. However, she highlighted that distrust remains an obstacle for both PH voters and its leadership, which seeks assurances that Bersatu won't renege on the coalition again. PH's finalized seat distribution may force PKR and Amanah to relinquish some allocations to incorporate Bersatu, with winnability serving as the decisive factor. Nonetheless, Shukri questioned the degree of additional support Bersatu could provide, as its Melaka grassroots may have shifted allegiance to Wawasan. Prof Dr Azizudin Md Sani, a political analyst at Universiti Utara Malaysia, suggested that cooperation is plausible since Bersatu seeks partners to help it win seats and retain the two it gained in the previous state election. PH Plus could potentially involve Bersatu and other parties willing to commit to a common goal, though the proposed arrangement remains unclear. PH will share seats with Bersatu if such collaboration is agreed upon, with Sani adding that seeking additional partners could bolster PH's electoral position. Melaka PH chairman Adly Zahari confirmed that PH was finalizing negotiations with parties sharing similar goals, including Bersatu, for the state election, consistent with decisions by the PH Presidential Council.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: An electoral pact between former allies Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Bersatu could work in Melaka, but its success will depend on rebuilding trust and broadening voter support, political analysts say.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}