BN-PN pact could shake PH’s grip on Selangor, say analysts
Political analysts suggest that a potential alliance between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) could threaten the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition's control of Selangor. The shift in Malay voter sentiment is identified as a key factor that could mirror successful electoral outcomes seen in Johor.
Why it matters
The stability of the Selangor state government is critical to Malaysian national politics, and a shift in coalition dynamics could significantly alter the country's political landscape.
Ex-Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin suggested that Selangor could be retaken if Malay votes were no longer split, hinting at another possible tie-up between BN and PN.
PETALING JAYA: Analysts do not discount the possibility that a Barisan Nasional-Perikatan Nasional alliance could help the two coalitions make inroads into Selangor on the back of a united Malay vote.
Lau Zhe Wei of the International Islamic University Malaysia told FMT that despite Pakatan Harapan winning 32 of the 56 seats in the 2023 state election, a BN-PN alliance could still realistically chip away at the coalition’s modest majority.
“If we look at what happened in Johor, a high percentage of PN, especially PAS, supporters are willing to transfer their vote to BN,” he said, adding that such an outcome could be replicated in Selangor.
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