It is not a ‘risk’ but a certainty that Pakatan Harapan will lose substantial number of seats, given that PAS will stage three-cornered fights, if a snap Penang election is held at this stage.

The recent two by-elections have proven that without compensating for the loss of PAS’ loyal voters, and without gaining substantial non-PAS Malay supporters, Pakatan will face a considerable set back in the coming general election.

To win the war, Pakatan has to pursue a three-pronged strategy simultaneously.

First, seek a working relationship with PAS, which is going through an internal turmoil with the pragmatists yearning for an alliance with Pakatan to avert a total wipe-out in the West Coast states. A snap Penang polls at this time will jeopardise such a move.

Second, work out an alliance with Dr Mahathir Mohamad/Muhyiddin Yassin’s proposed new party, with fundamental agreement on basic reforms and power-sharing.

Third, capitalise to the fullest the current US crackdown on the rampant corruption and money-laundering of 1MDB, with top priority being given to enlightening the Malay heartland which is the rock foundation of Umno’s electoral support.

First and Third strategy will give impetus to the realisation of the Second strategy.

The worst that can happen to Pakatan now is to continue to squabble over the snap Penang poll issue, which will weaken its bargaining position with respect to the First and Second strategy, infuriate its supporters, and give rise to the possibility of final dismantling of the Pakatan alliance.

KIM QUEK is the author of the banned book 'The March to Putrajaya'.