Barisan Alternatif

DAP increased its share from 7 to 10 but with two of its most prominent leaders, Lim Kit Siang and Karpal Singh losing their constituencies.

However, the strain increased after PAS's election victory and the minority parties' realisation that they were losing votes to the fear of an Islamic state.

This alliance was partly due to the PAS's softened approach prior to the elections by focusing on economic issues, criticising BN for dissolving parliament during the Lunar New Year period, and fielding its first non-Muslim candidate.

Formal resurrection of Barisan Alternatif may take place given the resounding victory which has resulted from the allocation pact between PAS, DAP and PKR.

[2] On 1 April 2008, the leaders of PKR, DAP and PAS announced the new official alliance of Pakatan Rakyat (People's Pact).