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PAS needs strong coalition partner to win Selangor, analyst says

Political analysts suggest the Islamic party requires a robust alliance to capture the key state, with questions raised over Barisan Nasional's capacity to deliver meaningful support.

LSN Malaysia · 21 August 2026

PAS needs strong coalition partner to win Selangor, analyst says

PAS faces significant challenges in its bid to secure control of Selangor in future elections, according to political observers who point to the need for a formidable coalition partner to achieve electoral success in Malaysia's most developed state.

Analyst Azmi Hassan highlighted the importance of alliance-building in state politics, noting that Perikatan Nasional's strong performance in the 2023 state elections was bolstered by support from Bersatu and the political influence of Azmin Ali. By contrast, Barisan Nasional's contribution to the coalition was limited, with the establishment bloc winning only two state seats.

The assessment underscores the shifting dynamics within Malaysia's political landscape, where single-party dominance has given way to coalition-dependent governance. PAS's electoral prospects in Selangor will depend heavily on the strength and unity of any alliance it forms, experts suggest.

Barisan Nasional's modest performance in recent state-level contests has raised questions about its capacity to serve as a reliable partner in delivering the substantial voter base required to govern Selangor. This dynamic may influence PAS's coalition calculations as the party plans for future electoral contests in the strategically important state.