BERSATU, the political party helmed by eighth premier (PM8) Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin might no longer be the strongest Malay political entity in the country. But despite its present political difficulties, it should not be written off.
The treachery committed by PAS within the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition has considerably reduced Bersatu’s influence, particularly in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections.
PAS’s decision to distance itself from Bersatu has weakened the latter’s organisational reach and electoral prospects.
Bersatu might be limping but it is certainly not politically dead.
In the coming Melaka state elections, Bersatu has indicated that it might contest. Whether this will eventually lead to some form of political alliance with the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition remains to be seen.
Whatever the outcome, Bersatu must exercise considerable care and restraint in contemplating political cooperation with PH.
Consolidate Malay, non-Malay support
For all intents and purposes, PH is currently at one of its weakest political points.
PKR, DAP and Amanah have all experienced a decline in political support. More importantly, PKR and DAP have sacrificed much of the non-Malay support that once constituted an important component of their electoral strength.
Among Indians in particular, support for the PH coalition has virtually collapsed.
DAP appears to be counting on around 40% support from the Chinese community. But even this support cannot be taken for granted.
Electoral support is not permanently owned by any political party with changing political circumstances could significantly alter the Chinese voting pattern.
By itself, Bersatu cannot make much difference to the outcome of the Melaka state elections. Its electoral strength is simply not sufficient to determine the overall political direction of the state on its own.
But if Bersatu can invoke the “magic wand” of broader electoral cooperation, the situation could be very different.
A larger opposition electoral understanding could allow Bersatu to punch above its current political weight.
It could avoid unnecessary three-cornered contests while consolidating Malay and non-Malay votes where possible, thus posing a more credible challenge to the existing political establishment.
The primary concern, however, should not be the Melaka state elections alone. The real target must be the 16th General Election (GE16).
Melaka should therefore be treated as a political testing ground – a platform through which Bersatu can develop, test and sustain a broader political formula in preparation for the 16th General Election (GE16).
Without wasting much time, I believe Muhyiddin by virtue of holding the Bersatu presidency should take the initiative to call for a large coalition of political forces to challenge the combined strength of UMNO and PAS.
Leverage N9 constitutional crisis
This should not merely be another electoral arrangement based on seat negotiations. It should be a broader political understanding capable of offering Malaysians an alternative to the present political configuration.
Bersatu should also capitalise on the political havoc wrought by UMNO through its gross interference with the institution of royalty in Negeri Sembilan (N9).
The recent controversy has given Bersatu and its potential allies a powerful political issue.
It should point out that UMNO which has long presented itself as the protector of the Malays and the guardian of their sacred institutions, seriously undermined that very claim by attempting to remove the N9 Yang di-Pertuan Besar without legitimate constitutional justification.
Such an attempt, if established, amounts to an act of lese-majesty — a serious challenge to the dignity and authority of the institution of the ruler.
The N9 episode exposes a fundamental contradiction in UMNO’s political narrative.
How can UMNO continue to portray itself as the defender of Malay rights, traditions and institutions when it is accused of attempting to undermine one of the most important Malay institutions – the Malay ruler?
This is precisely where Bersatu has potentially powerful political ammunition.
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Bersatu should make full use of the issue, not merely as a weapon against UMNO but as part of a larger political narrative about constitutionalism, the Malay institution of royalty and the need to protect traditional institutions from political interference.
UMNO’s attempted removal of the ruler has created a political opening that Bersatu cannot afford to ignore.
If Bersatu wants to remain relevant, it must move beyond simply defending its existing political territory. It must demonstrate that it can provide leadership to a wider political coalition.
The Melaka state elections provide an immediate opportunity but GE16 is the real objective. And Muhyiddin should begin building that larger coalition now. – Oct 6, 2026
Former DAP stalwart and Penang deputy chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
