Kuala Lampur, Oct. 21 -- The reported deregistration of Perikatan Nasional (PN) has thrown Malaysia's opposition politics into considerable confusion. Beyond the legal and organisational implications, the deeper consequences are psychological, potentially weakening the momentum of the much-vaunted Gelombang Biru, or Blue Wave.

Ten factors explain why the opposition faces mounting difficulties ahead of the 16th General Election (GE16).

First, coalition politics depends on credibility. When PN cannot demonstrate organisational stability, leaders, supporters and sympathisers naturally begin questioning whether Umno, PAS and Wawasan can collectively produce an electoral wave capable of defeating Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Pakatan Hara...