Mistrust threatens Bersatu-PH pact for Melaka polls
Analysts see deep-seated mistrust blocking any formal cooperation between Pakatan Harapan and Bersatu ahead of the Melaka state election, despite a tactical alliance not being ruled out.
Source: Free Malaysia Today · August 28, 2026 at 12:30 AM · AI-assisted report
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KUALA LUMPUR, 28 AUGUST 2026 —
Analysts see deep-seated mistrust blocking any formal cooperation between Pakatan Harapan and Bersatu ahead of the Melaka state election, despite a tactical alliance not being ruled out.
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Universiti Malaya political scientist Tawfik Yaakub said lingering anger over the 2020 Sheraton Move would make it hard for PH loyalists to back Bersatu candidates. “Many staunch PH supporters still distrust Bersatu after Muhyiddin Yassin’s walkout that toppled the federal government,” he told FMT. Rebuilding that trust, he argued, is the bigger hurdle than starting talks.
“Politics is pragmatic, but PH must explain how a deal serves common goals or targets a shared enemy,” he said. Without a convincing story, grassroots rejection would follow.
On Tuesday, Melaka Bersatu information chief Hishamuddin Abdul Karim said the state wing was open to exploring an election pact. He cited the party’s poor showing in Johor and Negeri Sembilan and the need to “consider all options” to survive. In the last Melaka polls in November 2021, Barisan Nasional won 21 of 28 seats, PH took five and Bersatu two under Perikatan Nasional.
Tawfik said a pact could cut vote-splitting that benefits BN or PN, and Bersatu’s networks might complement PH’s resources. “But it is tactical help, not a route to victory,” he warned. “PH must check if Bersatu’s extra votes offset the supporters who refuse to cooperate.”
International Islamic University Malaysia lecturer Lau Zhe Wei compared a potential deal to PKR, DAP and Amanah’s 2018 alliance with Dr Mahathir Mohamad against BN. He questioned what PH gains from teaming up with a party whose influence has waned and whose scandals could taint the coalition. Seat allocation and reputational risk top PH’s concerns.
Tawfik added that Bersatu has haemorrhaged members and leaders to opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin’s Parti Wawasan Negara in recent months, further weakening any alliance’s appeal.
The next Melaka election is due by late February next year, leaving little time to persuade sceptical voters.