SPECIAL REPORT | Bersatu's decision to project itself as an alternative Malay Muslim party to Umno has not sat well among the traditional supporters of Pakatan Harapan.

Harapan, and its predecessor Pakatan Rakyat, had since their inceptions campaigned on a platform of multi-culturalism and inclusiveness.

The coalition had made substantial inroads in the three general elections since 2008 but could not muster enough Malay support to cross the finishing line.

A small Malay swing coupled with strong non-Malay support and a shift in East Malaysia in the 14th general election helped Harapan end the BN-Alliance's 61 years in power. Umno lost a whopping 34 parliamentary seats.

Bersatu, which represented Harapan in most rural Malay heartland constituencies, only managed to capture 13 parliamentary seats but the impact was more profound in mixed seats where PKR contested. It gained 47 seats compared to 30 in the last general election...