Melaka Polls Put Malaysia’s Shifting Politics to the Test

Malaysia’s political map is being redrawn, and Melaka is where it gets its first real test. With nominations on Oct 31 and polling on Nov 14, the state election is as much a contest over alliances as over seats.

BN 21, PH 21, PAS 7: How Melaka’s Seats Are Dividing Up

The biggest shake-up is on the opposition side. The Registrar of Societies deregistered Perikatan Nasional (PN) after a complaint by Bersatu that it was not invited to a supreme council meeting on July 16.

PN is fighting the decision in court and has won a stay. It now says it will start disciplinary proceedings against Bersatu, which has decided to contest under its own logo.

The other camps are busy too. Barisan Nasional will contest 21 seats and leave seven to PAS and its allies, while Pakatan Harapan has named candidates for 21 seats, split among PKR, DAP and Amanah. MCA is weighing a boycott after a clash with BN over candidates.

Analysts disagree on the fallout. Some warn the PAS and Bersatu split could weaken the opposition and lead to multi-cornered contests. Others say PAS remains the coalition’s main source of electoral support, and Melaka could become the first practical test of a wider realignment.

Away from the campaign trail, the government is also facing criticism over its Waze restrictions and the Tuju rollout.