Bersatu suffers total defeat in Melaka, political survival in question
The defeat saw all seven Bersatu candidates lose their respective contests, including several high-profile names fielded by the party in its attempt to maintain a foothold in the state.
MELAKA - Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) suffered a complete electoral defeat in the Melaka state election, failing to win any of the seven seats it contested, raising fresh questions about the party's political survival and its relevance ahead of the 16th General Election (GE16).
The defeat saw all seven Bersatu candidates lose their respective contests, including several high-profile names fielded by the party in its attempt to maintain a foothold in the state.
They were Nazri Ramli (Lendu), Major (R) Abdullah Mahadi (Sungai Udang), Datin Seri Dr Asmah Samat (Pantai Kundor), Datuk Seri Mohamad Ali Mohamad (Kelebang), Datuk Norhizam Hassan Baktee (Pengkalan Batu), Mohd Hamnaim Mohamad (Ayer Keroh) and Muhammad Rabaie Ab Hamid (Bemban).
The result is a major setback for Bersatu, which had been attempting to rebuild its political standing following its fallout with PAS and the breakdown of its relationship with Perikatan Nasional (PN).
Its decision to contest seven seats while navigating an uncertain political relationship with PH also placed the party in a difficult position, particularly as the BN-PN pact campaigned under the Muafakat Melaka banner.
The party's inability to secure even one seat raises questions about its grassroots strength, electoral machinery and ability to mobilise Malay voters without the backing of a broader political coalition.
More significantly, the defeat could weaken Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's position as the party confronts the challenge of rebuilding its electoral credibility.
Bersatu's political future will now depend on whether it can regroup, retain its remaining political support and establish a clear direction ahead of GE16.
The Melaka outcome also casts a shadow over any future cooperation with PH, particularly if Bersatu is unable to demonstrate that it can bring meaningful electoral support to the negotiating table.
For a party that was once part of the coalition that ended Barisan Nasional's six-decade hold on federal power in 2018, a complete failure to win representation in Melaka would mark a significant reversal of fortunes.
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