Kuala Lampur, July 21 -- The assumption that Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) can continue their present political understanding uninterrupted until the 16th General Election (GE16) deserves closer examination.

While the Unity Government has provided Malaysia with a measure of stability after years of political turbulence, electoral politics follows a different logic from governing.

Coalitions that cooperate in office do not necessarily remain aligned when the country returns to the ballot box.

Three structural realities suggest why BN and PH may ultimately have to chart separate electoral paths before GE16.

The first concerns electoral strategy. General elections are contests of organisation, timing and surprise.

Any c...