KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 15 — Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) captured 24 of Melaka’s 28 seats in yesterday’s state election, marking the third state poll in four months where Pakatan Harapan (PH) has lost ground after Johor and Negeri Sembilan.

Here are three takeaways from the result.

BN-PAS formula delivers again

Melaka is the second consecutive state election, following Negeri Sembilan, in which BN and PN jointly outperformed PH.

Their combined tally of 24 seats edges out the 23 they won separately in 2021.

Before polling day, analysts noted that the arrangement could consolidate Malay votes, ending the vote-splitting among Umno, PAS, and Bersatu since 2018 that previously allowed PH to win multi-cornered fights.

This outcome strengthens the case for a formal BN-PN partnership heading into the 16th general election (GE16).

Still, caveats remain: parliamentary seats are larger and more diverse than state constituencies, while BN and PAS must still navigate overlapping ambitions and competing leadership interests.

Growing pressure for early GE16

Last night’s result gives BN more momentum to press for an early GE16. The call was already being made before polling day.

Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also deputy prime minister, said in Melaka on November 10 that it would be better to return the mandate to the people than to carry out a Cabinet reshuffle after DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke resigned as transport minister.

Analysts previously said BN and PAS are keen to capitalise on the momentum from the Negeri Sembilan, Johor and Melaka elections by pushing for an early general election. One analyst said earlier that Umno has every incentive to force an early GE16 because it thinks it is unbeatable with PAS’s support.

PH has pushed back. DAP chairman Gobind Singh Deo said BN leaders who have lost confidence in Anwar should resign from the Cabinet rather than push for dissolution, while Loke said Anwar still has a mandate and sufficient support in Parliament to continue governing.

Anwar has said the timing of GE16 depends on several factors and that any dissolution would be decided after consulting coalition partners and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. 

Third forces are shut out

Contesting seven seats under its own logo after falling out with PAS, Bersatu won none. The wipeout carries clear ramifications going into GE16, with PH exploring a partnership with Bersatu to counter the BN-PN cooperation.

Parti Bersama Malaysia fared no better, failing to win any of the 16 seats it contested.

Before the Melaka poll, analysts said Bersatu faced the toughest strategic crossroads, weighing reconciliation with PAS, negotiations with PH, or leading a smaller bloc of parties excluded from the BN-PN arrangement.

Every seat that went against BN fell either to PH’s urban bastions or PAS-linked PN candidates, shutting out newcomers and minor contenders.