Weak allies mean PAS, Bersatu in for rough ride in Johor

 The two feuding parties also have limited options for alliances, having been linked to the same entities like Berjasa, Pejuang, Putra, and Muda.

With Bersatu and PAS at loggerheads, analysts say the real fight in the Johor state election will be between BN and PH.

PETALING JAYA:

PAS and Bersatu are expected to face a rough ride in the upcoming Johor state election, as both parties look set to go their own way while their potential allies appear lacklustre.

Mazlan Ali.

Though both parties have announced efforts to form new political configurations amid Perikatan Nasional’s ongoing crisis, Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia said these new alliances would not be earth-shattering in Johor.

Mazlan said both parties had limited options for allies, having been linked to the same entities such as Berjasa, Pejuang, Putra, and Muda.

These small parties command little influence and are incapable of taking on Barisan Nasional or Pakatan Harapan, he told FMT.

“I don’t see any real competition in Johor. It will be more like BN against PH, as PAS and Bersatu have been weakened by their division.

“Although these small parties will want to help them, they will not cause any major impact in the state,” he said.

Earlier this week, Bersatu vice-president Ahmad Faizal Azumu said the party had started its groundwork in Johor with “other components” in PN and Ikatan Prihatin Rakyat (IPR).

According to Faizal, Bersatu had also initiated talks for a polls pact with Muda and Pejuang.

Likewise, Johor PAS chief Mahfodz Mohamed said the Islamic party would form a new alliance following the end of its cooperation with Bersatu, naming parties like Pejuang, Putra, Berjasa and the National Indian Muslim Alliance Party (Iman) as possible allies.

Syaza Shukri.

Pejuang, Putra, Berjasa, and Iman are also among the 11 parties under IPR, a loose coalition spearheaded by Muhyiddin.

Separately, Syaza Shukri of the International Islamic University Malaysia said all these minor parties would have no attraction without the influence of PAS or Bersatu.

“IPR’s direction is still largely uncertain. Although they may split votes, I don’t think they would provide serious competition to large coalitions (like BN and PH),” she said. - FMT