Why PN is willing to kow-tow to BN in Malacca even if it means winning just 3 seats

 

Perikatan Nasional’s seeming reluctance to demand more seats to contest in Malacca from BN may indicate anxiety about how firm its “Malay unity” pact is.

Both BN and PN have almost equal levels of support based on 15th general election voting patterns, which analysts said should be grounds for it to get at least 10 out of 28 seats to contest instead of just seven.

However, PAS vice-president Idris Ahmad said recently that the coalition may even consider contesting just five to six seats, suggesting that it may cede more ground to BN - which is demanding to defend all 21 seats it currently holds.

Further, of the seven seats not claimed by BN, four are non-Malay majority seats held by DAP and are unlikely to fall.

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This means the current arrangement could leave PN with just two to three elected seats: Bemban, Sungai Udang (which PN already holds), and possibly Bukit Katil.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, Sunway University political scientist Wong Chin Huat said PN’s willingness to give in to BN’s demands is likely due to Pakatan Harapan expressing its intent to work with BN as well.

Sunway University political scientist Wong Chin Huat

“⁠PN is making that generous offer to BN because of Harapan’s competition. If Harapan has rejected BN outright, PN won’t be so generous,” he told Malaysiakini.

PN the second fiddle?

Universiti Malaya’s Tawfik Yaakub expressed a similar opinion, saying BN has the upper hand in negotiations.

Malacca Harapan chief Adly Zahari and central Harapan secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail have both indicated that they’re interested in talking to BN about partnership in the state polls.

Tawfik said the move risks reinforcing the perception that PN is not an equal partner to BN, and is only second fiddle outside the northern and eastern peninsula states.

“The arrangement is worthwhile electorally only if (PN) receives enough winnable seats to demonstrate growth. Otherwise, it may be trading long-term political expansion for short-term electoral security,” he said.

Universiti Malaya’s Tawfik Yaakub

There is speculation that Idris’ remarks that PN will only contest six seats instead of seven may indicate that BN wants to contest Bukit Katil, where BN has more support than PN.

Tawfik said if BN gets Bukit Katil, it would further reinforce the perception of PN playing second fiddle.

Might be worth it

However, Wong said giving up gains in Malacca could be worth it for PN.

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“⁠PN is treating Malacca like Johor, forgoing state-level gains to lure Umno into the national pact that (Wawasan Negara president) Hamzah Zainudin is trying to lock Umno in with greater certainty.

“If BN wins big in Malacca because of PN’s sacrifice, Umno overall would be hard-pressed not to work with PAS. 

“Don’t forget, PN can also ask for a lion’s share in seven appointed seats later, (meaning) jobs and power without constituency responsibilities,” he said.

The Malacca polls are expected to be held soon, although the state legislature is only due to be dissolved in December. - Mkini