Kuala Lampur, July 26 -- Politics is often compared to commerce, but perhaps it is closer to banking. Every political investment expects a return. Every deposit anticipates a withdrawal.

That is why Barisan Nasional (BN) should think carefully before drawing from what may be described as "Hadi's vote banks" in Johor and now Negeri Sembilan.

This is especially true for MCA and MIC. Two parties with no leverage on PAS at all.

There is no such thing as a free lunch in politics.

PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang has openly stated that PAS supporters helped strengthen BN's electoral performance in Johor.

The message was clear: PAS was not merely contesting elections for itself but was willing to transfer votes where it believed doing...