Bersatu Needs Perikatan Nasional Brand More Than PAS Does, Says Political Analyst

In Brief

Bersatu needs the PN coalition brand more than PAS, as it is a younger, smaller party lacking the long-standing credibility of its partners.
PAS is increasingly popular among Malay voters, particularly in east coast and northern states, making the PN branding less critical for them.

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Bersatu currently has more to gain from the Perikatan Nasional (PN) branding than PAS, according to International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst and ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute fellow Associate Professor Dr Syaza Shukri.

Speaking on the differing strengths of the two coalition partners, Syaza said Bersatu is aware of the limitations of its own branding, given that it remains a relatively young and comparatively smaller party in Malaysia’s political landscape.

As such, she argued that the PN banner provides Bersatu with additional credibility, owing to the presence of more established component parties such as PAS and Gerakan, both of which have been part of Malaysian politics for decades.

“Bersatu knows that it is a small and relatively new party. PN brings more credibility because it includes PAS and Gerakan, which have existed in Malaysian politics for much longer,” she said.

However, Syaza said that PAS also derives certain advantages from the coalition.

Prof Dr Syaza Shukri. Credit photo: Syaza Shukri X.

She said that the PN brand is generally perceived by some sections of the electorate as being more moderate and broadly acceptable compared to PAS, which carries its own political baggage.

Nevertheless, Syaza believes Bersatu stands to lose more should the coalition branding disappear.

“For me, Bersatu needs the PN logo more,” she added.

This, Syaza argued, is largely due to PAS’ increasing popularity, particularly among Malay voters.

In recent years, the Islamist party has cemented its position in the east coast states and parts of northern Peninsular Malaysia, where support for PAS has grown considerably.

“In fact, many Malay voters today want to vote for PAS. Using the PAS logo would not pose much of a problem, especially in the east coast and northern states.”

PN won 74 parliamentary seats in the last general election – with PAS claiming 43 seats and Bersatu 31.

However, the split within Bersatu saw that more than half of its MPs are now siding with its sacked former deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin – now with Parti Wawasan Negara (Wawasan).

PAS also had severed all ties with Bersatu ahead of the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state election.

Both parties are laying claim on PN now. TRP had reached out to leaders from both parties to comment.

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