DISTRUST among the various political pacts is the main reason why the idea of an united opposition to take on Umno-led Barisan Nasional is unlikely to happen as the general elections draws closer, said political analysts.

They told The Malaysian Insight although there was still time for discussions, leaders of opposition parties may find it hard to find common ground.

To stress their point, they noted that Pakatan Harapan chairman Anwar Ibrahim in recent days had not sounded keen on working with Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s led Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA) for the general election which is due on November 19.

They added that Pakatan Harapan (PH) must take the lead in starting any negotiations but as things stand, they do not see eye-to-eye with both GTA and Perikatan Nasional.

Dr Azmi Hassan, a senior fellow at the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research, said he does not see how the three opposition coalitions, PH, PN and GTA can sit and discuss working together in the polls.

He, however, added that if any possible talks were to happen, the first move must be initiated by PH as it is the stronger opposition coalition compared to PN and GTA.

“PH does not want GTA because they don’t see how it can bring any benefit, PN and PH have their own history plus DAP and PAS cannot see eye to eye.”

“I do not see how negotiations can happen, I think the status quo will remain until nomination day. I do not see how PN and PH can give and take, given the ego these politicians have.”

“But if any talks must happen, PH must take the first move because they are the strongest. It cannot happen if PN or GTA make the first move,” he said.

He reminded political parties that if negotiations were only to happen after the election, the country’s political stability may return to uncertainty.

“We want negotiation to happen now before the GE. After the election there will be chaos again,” he said.

PH is made up of PKR, DAP, Amanah and Sabah-based Upko. PN meanwhile is made up of Bersatu, PAS, Gerakan and Sabah based parties Star and Sapp.

GTA meanwhile is led by Dr Mahathir’s Pejuang along with a handful of small Malay-based parties.

Issue over PM candidate

Academic Dr Mazlan Ali meanwhile said negotiations were possible between PN and GTA, based on the previous links between Dr Mahathir and Bersatu.

The two coalitions share almost similar views regarding corruption and Malay rights issues, he added.

“To work with PH is harder. The chances are better for GTA and PN to work together if they feel they can find common ground.”

“The problem is PH does not trust Dr Mahathir after what he did to Anwar.”

“But then if all of the opposition parties were to sit and discuss, the stumbling block will be on who should be their PM candidate.”

“Anwar wants it, Dr Mahathir has offered himself again and of course PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin must also be eyeing the post. That is the reality,” he said.

For professor of political science at Universiti Sains Malaysia (Usa), Dr Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid, the opposition is left with no time to hold talks and discussions.

He added the best way for the opposition is to have an electoral pact, like what PH and Muda is currently working on.

“Time is running out and I don’t think they have enough time to discuss because these talks need time and they need to analyse each move. It may take time.”

“Maybe they can agree on an electoral pact so they don’t clash with each other. If the opposition votes are split, BN will surely win the election,” he said.

Fauzi mirrored Azmi’s view that if discussions were to happen after the election, political instability could continue to be an issue.

“BN will accuse the government of being unstable. There will be uncertainty again and the people will have to bear the burden,” he explained. – October 23, 2022.