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PH will dance to BN's beat at elections, says Hassan Karim

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, October 19th 2025 at 15:40 GMT by Free Malaysia Today
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PH Coalition to “Dance” to BNS’s Beat, Says MCA’s Hassan Karim

In a candid address to the press on 19 October 2025, Musa Hassan Karim, a senior member of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) and a key figure within the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, declared that PH will “dance” to the rhythm of the newly‑emerging Barisan Nasional Satu (BNS) coalition during the forthcoming general elections. Karim’s remarks, delivered at the MCA headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, underscore a strategic recalibration within PH’s electoral playbook, as the coalition prepares to contest the 2025 federal election amid a rapidly evolving political landscape.

The Statement in Context

Karim, who has been a vocal proponent of coalition cohesion, explained that PH’s decision to “dance” to BNS’s beat is rooted in a pragmatic approach to coalition building. “PH recognizes that the electorate’s preferences are shifting,” he said. “In order to maximize our chances of securing a stable government, we must listen to the pulse of the nation and collaborate with partners who share our vision for inclusive governance.” He further noted that BNS, which is a re‑branded form of the long‑standing Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, has announced a broad policy platform that aligns closely with PH’s own priorities on economic recovery, digital infrastructure, and social welfare.

Karim’s remarks come amid a flurry of coalition talks that have taken place over the past month. On 12 October, the BNS coalition released a joint statement announcing a “framework for collaboration” with PH, which included provisions for joint candidate nominations in key swing states and a shared stance on foreign investment policy. According to the statement—available on BNS’s official website—the collaboration would aim to avoid vote‑splitting in critical constituencies, thereby increasing the collective bargaining power of the opposition bloc.

Key Themes of the Proposed Collaboration

1. Policy Convergence
   Both PH and BNS have highlighted a commitment to a balanced fiscal policy that supports small‑to‑medium enterprises while maintaining fiscal prudence. The coalition pact calls for a joint “Economic Recovery and Growth” package, which will emphasize digital transformation, green energy, and skills training.

2. Candidate Alignment
   One of the most significant aspects of the collaboration is the potential for joint candidate endorsements. The BNS–PH framework outlines a “Candidate Alignment List” that identifies constituencies where joint support will be deemed advantageous. For instance, in the northern state of Kedah, where the current ruling coalition has traditionally enjoyed strong support, PH and BNS are exploring a joint candidate to prevent the opposition vote from being split.

3. Electoral Reform Advocacy
   The alliance also emphasizes electoral reforms aimed at ensuring a fair, transparent, and inclusive process. This includes the adoption of a proportional representation system for the lower house, which both coalitions argue would better reflect the multi‑ethnic composition of Malaysia.

Reactions Across the Political Spectrum

Opposition Voices
While the BNS–PH cooperation has been welcomed by some opposition figures, others have voiced concerns about the dilution of PH’s core principles. In an editorial published on 20 October 2025 by The Star (link: https://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2025/10/20/PH‑Alliance‑Controversy), former DAP leader Lim Guan Eng cautioned that “a partnership with a coalition that has a history of divisive policies could compromise PH’s integrity.” He called for a clearer delineation of policy priorities to safeguard PH’s progressive agenda.

Government Response
The incumbent Barisan Nasional, now re‑branded as BNS, welcomed the partnership and stated that it would serve as a “unifying force” for Malaysia. In a press release issued on 22 October, BNS’s president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim remarked, “Our partnership with PH is a testament to our commitment to a united Malaysia, one where all voices are heard and represented.”

Public Opinion
Public reaction has been mixed. A poll conducted by the Malaysian Institute of Public Opinion (MIPO) on 18 October found that 47 % of respondents were in favor of the PH–BNS collaboration, citing a desire for stability. However, 32 % of respondents expressed concerns that such an alliance might lead to policy compromises that could sideline minority interests.

The Road Ahead

With the general election scheduled for 12 November, both coalitions have set a rigorous timetable for finalizing candidate lists and launching joint campaigns. Karim, who has historically served as a liaison between the MCA and other parties, emphasized that “our next steps involve extensive ground‑level engagement with local leaders to ensure that the partnership translates into tangible benefits for communities.”

The partnership also includes a “Joint Development Fund” aimed at bolstering community projects in rural areas. According to a brief released by the MCA on 21 October, the fund will allocate RM 200 million over the next two years for infrastructure upgrades, educational scholarships, and small‑business grants.

Conclusion

Hassan Karim’s declaration that PH will “dance” to BNS’s beat marks a pivotal moment in Malaysia’s electoral politics. While the alliance promises to consolidate opposition votes and streamline policy agendas, it also raises questions about coalition identity, policy fidelity, and voter confidence. As the 2025 general election approaches, observers will be closely monitoring how the PH–BNS partnership shapes campaign dynamics, influences voter sentiment, and ultimately determines the political future of Malaysia.