Umno will want to avoid seeming ‘tamed' by DAP in Melaka, says analyst
Umno will not want to seem weak among Malay voters as it seeks to rebuild public confidence and support, says Ilham Centre executive director Hisomuddin Bakar.
PETALING JAYA : Umno is likely to strongly reject DAP's proposed equal distribution of seats in Melaka with Pakatan Harapan to avoid the perception that it has been 'tamed' by DAP, says an analyst.
Ilham Centre executive director Hisomuddin Bakar said the 14+14 formula proposed by nine DAP branches in the state could spark dissatisfaction, given that the matter was also not discussed by the central PH leadership.
'If Melaka Umno agrees to this, it will create the perception that the party has been 'tamed' by DAP, a narrative that runs counter with the party's veteran leaders' statements before this.
'This will only weaken Umno, especially among Malay voters, and stunt the party's efforts to rebuild public confidence and support,' he told FMT.
Yesterday, Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh rejected a proposal from nine Melaka DAP branches for PH and BN to contest 14 seats each in the upcoming state election, telling DAP to 'dream on' after the matter was reported by Chinese daily China Press.
However, he misinterpreted the report as saying that the proposal was made by nine DAP divisions rather than branches.
Melaka DAP publicity secretary Kerk Chee Yee clarified that this was merely a grassroots proposal by the branches, and that the state chapter had yet to discuss the matter.
The Melaka assembly has 28 seats, 20 of which are held by Barisan Nasional, five by PH and three by Perikatan Nasional.
Hisomuddin Bakar.
Hisomuddin said the proposal would only harm Umno's relationship with DAP, which has not yet reached an ideal balance in terms of political cooperation.
'BN will defend the seats it has won, and PH should only contest the seats they already hold.
'All negotiations for seats held by PN should be considered pragmatically. Logically, seats in Malay-majority areas should not be for DAP (to contest),' he said.
Mazlan Ali.
However, Mazlan Ali from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia said the formula could be considered, given that analyses of the 15th general election may more accurately predict support for the two parties.
'PH used to govern Melaka with more seats. Umno won the last state election because of a low voter turnout due to Covid-19.
'Negotiation and agreement are necessary to ensure stability if PH and BN intend to continue their cooperation in the coming state election,' he said.
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