Small parties risk being tied to PN in opposition front
PETALING JAYA : Small parties invited to join the proposed united opposition front may find it difficult to shake off perceptions that they have become part of Perikatan Nasional itself, a political analyst said.
Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia said PN, largely made up of PAS and Bersatu, remains the most influential opposition force ahead of the 16th general election due to its strength in the Dewan Rakyat and state assemblies.
'Since PAS is the strongest party in PN (based on seat count and its control of four states), there's a high chance it will drive decisions or plans that may not favour non-Malay parties.
'These smaller parties, which have little to no representation in the Dewan Rakyat or state legislatures, will still be seen as operating under PN's framework,' he told FMT.
He was commenting on remarks by Urimai chairman P Ramasamy, who said it was 'misleading' to equate joining the proposed united opposition front mooted by PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin with entering a formal coalition.
Ramasamy said his party supports Bersatu's call for a united opposition, but has no intention of becoming part of PN.
Muhyiddin held talks on July 18 with leaders of several opposition parties, including Muda, Parti Sosialis Malaysia, Pejuang, Putra, the Malaysian Advancement Party, and Urimai.
Mazlan said it would be a major challenge to balance the Malay-Muslim-centric messaging of PN with the multiracial and equal rights platforms of other parties.
'There could be a clash of narratives, which will create a dilemma about what image PN wants to project. Its success so far was built on Malay support. Now they're cooperating with non-Malay leaders who were previously labelled as hardliners,' he said, referring to Ramasamy and MAP chief P Waytha Moorthy.
Ariff Aizuddin Azlan of Universiti Teknologi Mara said the grouping must be carefully managed to avoid internal conflicts rooted in race or religion.
'If PN can focus on broader issues like government's performance and public welfare, it could serve as a more cohesive opposition force offering ideas that resonate with voters,' he said.
However, Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said any party considering joining the 'united opposition front' would weigh PAS's role carefully.
'Ramasamy is right in saying that being invited does not equate to joining PN, even if Bersatu is leading the initiative. But the reality is that, without PAS, there is no real opposition. It remains the dominant force based on the results of the 15th general election,' he said.
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