Pakatan Harapan vs. Perikatan Nasional

Attribute	Pakatan Harapan	Perikatan Nasional
Formation	Formed in 2015	Formed in 2020
Component Parties	Comprised of several parties including PKR, DAP, Amanah	Comprised of several parties including UMNO, Bersatu, PAS
Leadership	Leadership led by Anwar Ibrahim	Leadership led by Muhyiddin Yassin
Political Ideology	Center-left	Center-right

Background

Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) are two major political coalitions in Malaysia. PH was formed in 2015 and consisted of several opposition parties, including the Democratic Action Party (DAP), People's Justice Party (PKR), and National Trust Party (AMANAH). PN, on the other hand, was established in 2020 following the collapse of the PH government and is made up of parties such as the United Malays National Organization (UMNO), Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), and Bersatu.

Leadership

One of the key differences between PH and PN lies in their leadership. PH was led by former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who was known for his strong leadership and reformist agenda. However, Mahathir's resignation in 2020 led to the downfall of the PH government. In contrast, PN is currently led by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who came to power through a controversial political maneuver. Muhyiddin's leadership style has been criticized for lacking transparency and accountability.

Policy Agenda

When it comes to policy agenda, PH and PN have distinct priorities. PH focused on issues such as good governance, anti-corruption measures, and institutional reforms during its time in power. The coalition also placed a strong emphasis on promoting unity and inclusivity among Malaysia's diverse population. On the other hand, PN has been criticized for prioritizing political survival and maintaining power, rather than addressing pressing issues such as economic inequality and social justice.

Coalition Dynamics

The dynamics within PH and PN are also worth noting. PH was known for its diverse coalition of parties with differing ideologies and priorities. This diversity often led to internal disagreements and challenges in decision-making. However, it also allowed for a wide range of perspectives to be considered in policy formulation. In contrast, PN is seen as a more homogenous coalition, with member parties sharing similar political goals and objectives. This cohesion has helped PN maintain stability but has also raised concerns about the lack of checks and balances within the coalition.

Public Perception

Public perception of PH and PN has been mixed. PH initially garnered widespread support from Malaysians who were disillusioned with the previous government's corruption scandals and authoritarian tendencies. The coalition's victory in the 2018 general election was seen as a historic moment for Malaysian democracy. However, PH's failure to deliver on some of its key promises, as well as internal conflicts, eroded public trust over time. On the other hand, PN's rise to power was met with skepticism and criticism due to the manner in which it came to power. The coalition's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic challenges has further dented its popularity among Malaysians.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional represent two distinct political forces in Malaysia with differing leadership styles, policy agendas, coalition dynamics, and public perceptions. While PH was initially hailed as a beacon of hope for Malaysian democracy, its downfall and subsequent replacement by PN have raised questions about the future direction of the country. Moving forward, it will be crucial for both coalitions to address the concerns of the Malaysian people and work towards building a more inclusive and transparent political system.