The Selangor state government’s move to formalize cooperation with Bersatu is seen by analysts as a strategic effort to strengthen Pakatan Harapan ahead of future elections. The arrangement, expected to be formalized through a confidence and supply agreement (CSA) before the state budget is tabled next month, could give Pakatan a two-thirds majority in the 56-seat Selangor State Assembly.
Currently, Pakatan holds 32 seats and governs with the support of Umno’s two seats and independent assemblyman Abdul Rashid Asari, a former Bersatu candidate. Bersatu controls 11 seats while PAS holds 10. With Bersatu’s assemblymen backing Pakatan, the coalition’s support would rise from 35 to 46 seats, surpassing the 38-seat threshold needed for a constitutional amendment.
Despite this potential supermajority, political analysts caution that the agreement’s impact depends heavily on Bersatu’s internal cohesion and its ability to mobilize Malay voters. Universiti Malaya socio-political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi noted that the recent Barisan Nasional-Perikatan Nasional victory in Negri Sembilan has altered political calculations. He said the CSA seems aimed less at immediate governance needs and more at shaping the electoral landscape going forward.
Awang Azman also pointed out that Pakatan already commands enough support to pass routine legislation and budgets, suggesting the supermajority chiefly offers political flexibility rather than a critical governing advantage. However, he raised concerns about Bersatu’s electoral vulnerabilities and internal disagreements, questioning the long-term value of the alliance. He warned that the pact might risk alienating Barisan Nasional allies while bolstering the influence of Selangor Bersatu chief Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.
Similarly, Universiti Sains Malaysia political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian described the CSA primarily as a maneuver for political positioning ahead of the next state election. While acknowledging that a two-thirds majority would enhance political stability, he emphasized that the agreement does not guarantee support for all proposals. Sivamurugan stressed that the true test of the arrangement will be whether it improves governance. He also highlighted uncertainties over Bersatu’s commitment, noting reports that its assemblymen were not fully consulted on the deal, which could limit its effectiveness if grassroots support and party discipline are lacking.
Meanwhile, Dr Azmi Hassan, senior fellow at the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research, offered a differing perspective, viewing the discussions between Pakatan and Bersatu as focused more on the upcoming general election than the immediate state polls. He said Bersatu is eager to collaborate with Pakatan to demonstrate its ability to attract Malay voters, a critical factor following recent election results in Johor and Negri Sembilan. Dr Azmi suggested that Pakatan seeks to build a partnership capable of consolidating Malay support in the lead-up to national-level contests.
The proposed CSA thus reflects a complex balancing act, with Pakatan seeking to strengthen its coalition and political standing, Bersatu aiming to enhance its electoral relevance, and broader opposition dynamics shaping strategic calculations across Selangor and Malaysia.