PETALING JAYA, October 9 2026 — Differences within Pakatan Harapan (PH) over potential electoral alliances for the upcoming Melaka state election could test the coalition’s unity ahead of the polls next month, according to a political analyst.
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) analyst Syaza Shukri said PH leaders would need to manage differing views among its component parties, particularly over whether the coalition should contest independently or cooperate with other political groups.
She said DAP appeared particularly firm in its position that PH should contest the election on its own, opposing the possibility of an electoral pact with former PH component Bersatu.
The differences became apparent after Melaka DAP chief Khoo Poay Tiong announced that PH would contest the state election independently, without an alliance with Bersatu or other coalitions.
Khoo, who is also Melaka PH deputy chairman, said DAP, PKR and Amanah had agreed at the state level to go solo. He added that the state leadership would explain its position to the coalition’s central leadership for further feedback.
The announcement came amid differing statements from PH leaders regarding possible cooperation with other parties.
Amanah leader Khalid Samad had previously said PH was open to working with any party except Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN). However, PH election director Amirudin Shari and Melaka Amanah chief Ashraf Mukhlis Minghat subsequently clarified that Khalid’s statement represented his personal view.
Melaka PH chairman Adly Zahari had also indicated that discussions were in their final stages for a possible “PH Plus” alliance involving other parties, including Bersatu.
Syaza said DAP’s reluctance to cooperate with Bersatu could be understood in the context of the political developments in 2020, when Bersatu’s departure from PH contributed to the collapse of the PH-led federal government.
She noted that many PH grassroots members and supporters might find it difficult to accept cooperation with Bersatu, particularly given the roles played by its current leaders, including president Muhyiddin Yassin and secretary-general Azmin Ali, during that period.
Nevertheless, Syaza expressed confidence that PH’s central leadership could help resolve the differences and prevent them from undermining the coalition’s election preparations.
Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) analyst Shafezah Abdul Wahab viewed the differing positions as strategic disagreements rather than signs of an inevitable split.
She said state leaders were better placed to understand Melaka’s political landscape and voter sentiment, while the central leadership had to consider broader political calculations, including preparations for the next general election.
Shafezah said the key question was how much autonomy the central leadership would allow the Melaka chapter to determine its electoral strategy based on local circumstances.
The Melaka state election is scheduled for Nov 14, with nomination day on Oct 31 and early voting on Nov 10. A total of 28 state assembly seats will be contested.
The outcome of PH’s discussions over electoral cooperation could influence how the coalition positions itself against its rivals and whether it can present a united front in the upcoming contest.
-FMT
