PN's target of winning 15 to 22 seats through non-Malay parties unrealistic without reforms
Although bringing in non-Malay parties could help PN gain support in mixed constituencies, the coalition still faces entrenched challenges that need to be resolved.
SHAH ALAM - Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) target to secure an additional 15 to 22 parliamentary seats through the participation of non-Malay parties has been described as overly ambitious unless the coalition undertakes major reforms to its image and strategy.
Universiti Malaya sociopolitical analyst Datuk Professor Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said although bringing in non-Malay parties could, in principle, help PN gain support in mixed constituencies, the coalition still faced entrenched challenges that needed to be resolved.
He pointed out that parties like Gerakan, for instance, have already lost much of their grassroots strength and representation, managing only a single win since 2014, which came in Kedah in 2023.
“The Malaysian Indian People's Party (MIPP) also has limited ability to penetrate significant grassroots support. As for MCA and MIC, who are being courted to join PN, they rely more on their historical legacy and are now less relevant amid shifting dynamics.
“Overall, these parties are not strong ‘vote carriers’ at the grassroots level,” he said when commenting on PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s suggestion of forming a ‘PN Plus’ ahead of the 16th General Election (GE16).
Awang pointed to the past example of Gagasan Sejahtera during GE14, when Pas partnered with Ikatan and Berjasa, only for Pas to succeed while the non-Malay parties lost even their deposits.
He argued that PN’s vision will remain difficult to achieve without a serious effort to strengthen grassroots networks, reshape its public image and present an inclusive platform.
“If they truly want to achieve that target, PN needs to focus on four main areas, namely reshaping the coalition’s image, strengthening the grassroots of non-Malay parties, presenting a joint manifesto and selecting competent non-Malay candidates in marginal seats.
“Reshaping the coalition’s image means reducing racial rhetoric and replacing it with an inclusive agenda. In addition, strengthening the grassroots of non-Malay parties requires organisational investment and building machinery in urban constituencies.
“As for a joint manifesto, it should not only be about votes but must also reflect policies that are friendly to all communities. They must also field competent non-Malay candidates in marginal seats,” he said.
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