Analysts say BN could gain if PN registration remains cancelled

Azmi Hassan said the loss of Perikatan Nasional’s registration would force PAS to seek a coalition with Barisan Nasional, as the PN logo has helped the party appear more moderate to non-Malay voters. James Chin echoed this, stating that PN currently blocks any direct cooperation between UMNO and PAS, and its removal would most benefit UMNO. The Registrar of Societies halted the cancellation of PN’s registration, but the High Court has stayed the decision while PN challenges it legally.

BN has announced it will field candidates in all 21 seats it won in the 2021 Melaka state election, including the Rembia seat previously held by a former UMNO member who joined PAS. Analysts also caution that smaller coalition partners such as Wawasan, Gerakan and MIPP could be disadvantaged by the shift.