State polls show grassroots still reject BN-PH collaboration, say experts
SHAH ALAM - Political analyst has warn of challenges as trust in Barisan Nasional (BN) wanes, stating the coalition chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi should take responsibility for Umno's weakening position.
Dr Syaza Shukri of International Islamic University Malaysia said the erosion of trusts pose challenges to BN.
This issue is further compounded by detachment of its support base due to its collaboration with PH, this come despite strategic advantages of such cooperation to woo voters, she said.
Syaza further told Sinar Daily that BN needs to revive itself to stand relevant.
Meanwhile, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Ethnic Studies Deputy Director Institute Professor Dr Kartini Aboo Talib highlighted that BN-Umno decline, largely attributed to Zahid's leadership, has led to substantial rejection within the Malay community.
She also said BN was a liability to PH has it was almost wiped out in yesterday's six state elections.
"If this unity government wishes to be effective, it must contemplate the outcomes of state elections," Kartini said.
Additionally, she said the loss of 146 seats out of 245 seats contested to PN and suggested that the unity government must consider demanding Zahid's resignation to uplift the party.
Pakatan Harapan won 99 seats in all six states as of midnight of Aug 12.
In Selangor, PH won 34 seats while PN won 22 seats,
In Penang, PH won 29 seats while PN won 11 seats.
In Negeri Sembilan, 31 seats went to PH while the remaining five went to PN.
PN won all 32 seats in Terengganu while in Kelantan PH won two seats with the remaining 43 seats going to PN.
In Kedah, PN won 33 seats while the remaining three went to PH.
