For Mahathir’s Malaysia, talk of a ‘Pakatan Nasional’ coalition casts shadow of racial tension

Rumours of an alliance between Mahathir’s Bersatu and the opposition Umno and PAS parties has put pressure on the current administration

Amid questions over the handover to Anwar Ibrahim, talk of a Malay-unity government threatens the country’s nascent multiracial democracy

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The administration of Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad is coming up to its two-year anniversary. Photo: Bernama

Published: 2:59pm, 12 Feb 2020Updated: 8:24pm, 12 Feb 2020

Three months before the Pakatan Harapan administration marks the two-year anniversary of its shock election victory, widespread speculation over political deal making between rival parties and factions is still de rigueur in Malaysia.

Most recently, talk of a “Pakatan Nasional” alliance has put more pressure on the government, which has been grappling with criticism from supporters unhappy at the perceived slow pace of its reforms.

The rumoured coalition would consist of the opposition United Malays National Organisation (Umno) – which helmed the nation for over six decades as the driving force within the Barisan Nasional coalition – and Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS), along with current Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad’s Malaysian United Indigenous Party (Bersatu).

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Umno – previously helmed by disgraced former premier Najib Razak, who is now facing over 40 graft charges in relation to the 1 Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal – was also Mahathir’s party before he quit in protest when allegations of Najib’s corruption came to light.

Both parties are exclusively open to ethnic Malay-Muslims, as well as Malaysia’s indigenous population. Politics in Malaysia has long been dominated by the majority Malay populace, who enjoy special economic and social privileges enshrined in the constitution.

Adding fuel to the speculation was Umno’s recent sacking of top member Lokman Adam, a staunch Najib supporter, for leaking a recording of party president Zahid Hamidi – who is also facing several corruption charges – saying he was willing to compromise and work with those in power.

The Barisan Nasional coalition was at the helm of Malaysia for more than six decades. Photo: Bloomberg