COMMENT In coming by-elections in Kuala Kangsar and Sungei Besar, Pakatan Harapan (Harapan) is in a dilemma whether to accommodate PAS. Since PAS is no longer in Harapan, the coalition partners DAP, PKR and Amanah, don't really have to factor in its role.

However, at the pragmatic level, it would be difficult to exclude PAS totally since one of Harapan's partners, PKR, given its alliance with PAS in Selangor, is more amenable to have an electoral pact with the Islamic party in the two by-elections.

Apart from this, PAS still has a good measure of support in both these constituencies, and to exclude PAS might result in three-cornered fights, Umno/BN benefitting from such situations.

From a principled point of view, it would make no sense to reach any electoral pact with PAS even if PKR is in favour. Since PAS is no more in the coalition, why bother having any pact with this party that has sought in recent years to have a close working relationship with Umno? In fact, some within Pakatan are thinking that if PAS contests in these two seats and wins, it would be a victory for Umno as well.

Slap in Amanah’s face?

However, from a practical perspective and taking into account the political reality and the nature of support, it would make sense to have an electoral pact with PAS to deny any victory to Umno/BN. PKR would be in favour of this, but then what would be the reactions of DAP and Amanah?

Any attempt at strengthening PAS would be a major slap on the face of Amanah. So any electoral pact with PAS even if it weakens Umno/BN, would not augur well for the future of Amanah, a party that needs all the support at the moment.

So Harapan is in a difficult situation. If it sticks to its principles, it would mean a total exclusion of PAS and the sure prospect for three-cornered fights in both the places, leading to Umno/BN’s victory. However, if practical considerations are given primacy, three-cornered fights can be avoided, and the chances of Harapan winning are credible.

At the moment, there is a likelihood that four political parties, Umno, PAS, Amanah and PKR, will be contesting these two seats. Unless and until Harapan can resolve the matter in the coming days, three-cornered fights seem to be the likely scenario.

BN would ride on win

If three-cornered fights result in Umno/BN wins in both the seats, then Umno/BN will be emboldened to think of the next general election. Victory in the Sarawak election has given the BN some kind of encouragement.

It would be a real test for Harapan to work out some political arrangement with dignity to take on the might of Umno/BN. Victory in these by-elections for Harapan would restore some confidence among Malaysians to think of a political alternative to Umno/BN.

Having fared badly in Sarawak, Harapan must prove to Malaysians who are looking for change that the coalition is not just one of political convenience, but also one that can steer the country out of the present imbroglio.

In this respect, the by-elections have national significance and will determine whether Harapan will be a formidable alternative coalition for Malaysians.

P RAMASAMY is Penang Deputy Chief Minister II and DAP Perai assemblyperson.