BN well-positioned to leverage alliances for GE16 gains, says analyst

SHAH ALAM – Barisan Nasional’s (BN) upward trajectory has handed the coalition the leverage to reshape the political landscape, with strategic alliances poised to maximise its seat haul in the 16th General Election (GE16).

Political analyst Arif Anwar Lokmanol Hakim said BN’s improving electoral performance has significantly strengthened its hand ahead of GE16, making the final outcome heavily dependent on its choice of political strategy.

“BN is clearly on an upward trajectory and appears capable of winning substantially more seats if it contests alone – and potentially even more if it forms strategic electoral alliances,” he told Sinar Daily.

Arif also said the developments surrounding the Negeri Sembilan election could potentially reshape the political landscape ahead of the next general election.

"There are growing reports that BN and PN, minus Bersatu, may form an alliance for the upcoming Negeri Sembilan state election," he said, adding that the outcome could have massive national implications.

He added that a poor performance by Pakatan Harapan (PH) in Negeri Sembilan could trigger a chain reaction, including a potential shift in DAP’s direction at its next national congress, or even a snap general election.

"A snap general election could become more likely if PH suffers a major setback in Negeri Sembilan," he said.

Beyond policy alliances, Arif suggested that BN might use the timing of state assembly dissolutions to exhaust its rivals.

He said a key component of this strategy could involve the Melaka State Assembly.

"BN may dissolve the Melaka State Assembly at any time after the Negeri Sembilan election – or it may not.

“My theory is that BN wants to keep both PN and PH occupied by forcing them to face multiple elections in quick succession.

“The ultimate aim is to pressure PN into a favourable cooperation with BN while systematically weakening PH,” he said.