13/11/2026

FRIDAY | NOV 13, 2026

3 ‘Alliances between parties to be tested in upcoming polls’

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING seat-sharing

JAYA:

Beyond

arrangements, the Malacca polls will test whether the Barisan Nasional (BN)-Perikatan Nasional (PN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH)-Bersatu cooperations would translate into genuine grassroots support, particularly among voters whose parties were once political rivals. Universiti Malaya political analyst Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub said the arrangements marked a significant shift in Malacca’s traditional electoral competition, but said agreements between party leaders do not automatically guarantee support from their respective supporters. He added that the key challenge would be whether voters were willing to support candidates from parties they had previously opposed, with local leadership, candidate credibility and government performance also influencing their decisions. “Political cooperation does not automatically translate into electoral support. The key factor will be whether supporters are willing to transfer their votes to candidates from parties they previously opposed.” He also said convincing grassroots supporters remained a major challenge for both political arrangements, given the historical rivalry between Umno and PAS, as well as lingering distrust within PH following the Sheraton Move in 2020. “Party leaders may agree on political cooperation, but grassroots acceptance cannot be guaranteed. Supporters will need convincing explanations of how the arrangements serve their interests and reflect their political principles.” Mohammad Tawfik said Malacca could serve as a testing ground for political alignments ahead of the 16th General Election, allowing parties to gauge the effectiveness of seat-sharing arrangements, grassroots cooperation and voters’ acceptance of former political rivals. He added that the results could influence future negotiations over parliamentary seats, political leadership and coalition strategies. “However, Malacca’s political dynamics cannot automatically be applied nationwide because voter composition and party strength differ considerably between states.” He also said the developments reflected the growing importance of political pragmatism in Malaysia’s coalition politics, with parties increasingly exploring cooperation based on shared electoral interests despite their ideological differences. “BN could use its cooperation with PN to reduce electoral fragmentation and coordinate campaign resources vulnerable groups and helping residents in need of welfare assistance have been among the priorities of Pakatan Harapan (PH) Paya Rumput state constituency candidate Datuk Azman Abidin throughout his campaign for the 16th Malacca state election. Azman said his grassroots approach had enabled him to identify the needs of residents firsthand, including families requiring welfare assistance and access to health screening services.

guarantee electoral support. He added that the Malacca polls would show whether voters were more inclined to support established political affiliations and parties with strong grassroots networks, or assess candidates based on their capabilities, policies and potential to progress their constituencies. He also said voters should look beyond the political alliances themselves and assess whether the cooperation could deliver socio-economic improvements, strengthen federal-state relations and provide better representation at the constituency level. Noor Nirwandy said the arrangements also presented an opportunity for voters to look beyond past political rivalries and judge the parties based on their ability to work together in the interests of the public. He added that higher voter participation, particularly among younger voters, was important to ensure the election results reflected broader public preferences rather than the views of core supporters with strong partisan affiliations. “Ultimately, the people must

Allegations of BN utilising govt billboards MALACCA: Malacca Pakatan Harapan (PH) deputy chairman Khoo Poay Tiong has alleged that more than 500 billboards belonging to government agencies in the state are being used to campaign for Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates in the 16th Malacca state election. The Kota Melaka MP said the billboards, which previously displayed National Day and Malaysia Day celebration materials, had been replaced with photographs of BN candidates and their campaign materials. Khoo, who is also Malacca DAP chairman, said the move raised questions about the use of government assets for political campaigning and called on the Election Commission (EC) to take stern action if electoral laws had been breached. “This is wrong and in this case, all BN candidates have certainly violated electoral laws. “I suggest that all candidates lodge police reports so that further action can be taken. The EC must investigate the allegations to ensure all parties comply with the rules and conduct their campaigns fairly,” he told a press conference at the PH main operations centre in Bukit Baru yesterday. Meanwhile, Khoo also questioned BN’s and Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) pledges not to increase land tax in Malacca for five years if given the mandate to govern the state, pointing out that a land tax increase had already been implemented in 2024. He said under Section 101(5)(b) of the National Land Code, the state government, regardless of which party was in power, could not revise land tax rates within 10 years of the previous revision. “This means that if the land tax rates were revised in 2024, the state government would not be permitted to conduct another revision until 2034. “So, what exactly are BN and PN promising the people in their manifestos for this Malacca state election?” he asked. Khoo also reminded PH campaign workers to prioritise their safety and health during the remaining day of campaigning before polling. – Bernama Noor Nirwandy said it was still too early to determine whether the shifting alliances would mark a lasting change in Malaysia’s political landscape, as their acceptance and effectiveness would only become clearer after the election. benefit political arrangements. Voters need to participate actively and ensure their choices reflect the candidates and partnerships they believe can bring progress to their constituencies.” from these

o BN-PN, PH-Bersatu partnerships do not guarantee voter support: Political analyst

MALACCA

while PN gains opportunities for representation within a broader political arrangement. “Meanwhile, PH and Bersatu could examine whether limited cooperation helps them reach voters beyond their traditional support bases.” Mohamad Tawfik said if voters perceive the arrangements as merely attempts to secure power without clear policy commitments, such cooperation could create dissatisfaction rather than strengthen political stability. He added that the long-term implications could be considerable, particularly if the Malacca experience encourages further realignment before GE16. “Malaysia could witness more flexible political partnerships (in which) electoral calculations and strategic interests increasingly influence coalition formation.

“However the sustainability of the arrangements will ultimately depend on grassroots acceptance, political trust and whether cooperation produces meaningful benefits for the public.” Meanwhile, UiTM security and political analyst Dr Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin said the impact of the political arrangements would ultimately depend on voter turnout and preferences, as cooperation between parties did not necessarily Polling: Nov 14 16th state election

Mohamad Tawfik said if voters perceive the arrangements as merely attempts to secure power without clear policy commitments, such cooperation could create dissatisfaction rather than strengthen political stability.– AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN PH candidate set on helping Paya Rumput residents MALACCA: Reaching out to

effectively to engage with voters and allow them to assess their options, including the changes he hoped to bring to the constituency. “The campaign atmosphere here is heating up as we approach polling day, but it remains calm. If the people of Paya Rumput want change, they must be bold enough to pursue it, and I am offering myself to help make that happen. “I urge voters in the Paya Rumput constituency to come out early and fulfil their civic duty this Saturday.” – Bernama

engagement with the community was crucial to identifying the needs of residents, particularly families who might have been overlooked and had yet to receive welfare assistance, to ensure they were not left behind. Commenting on the campaign ahead of polling day tomorrow, he said this was a crucial period for candidates to ensure voters understood their respective offers and proposals before making their choices. Azman said the remaining campaign period should be used

“We are currently looking into the most appropriate forms of assistance to ease the burden on these families, who also require support in terms of healthcare. “This is my second visit here, and it is clear that this particular family needs assistance, not only in terms of health screenings but also monthly financial aid.” He was speaking to reporters during a house-to-house health screening programme in Krubong Jaya yesterday. He emphasised that direct