‘Itu hati budi mereka’, PAS replies BN's desire to contest 21 seats

PAS to contest 16 out of 28 seats in Melaka state election, before BN and PN reached an understanding in Negeri Sembilan PETALING JAYA: A Melaka PAS leader said the party will continue to prioritise unity among Muslims in the matter of seat allocation when Barisan Nasional (BN) wants to contest 21 out of 28 state seats in the upcoming state election.

Muhammad Jailani Khamis. Without elaborating further on whether this means PAS will give way to BN as in Johor and Negeri Sembilan, its secretary Muhammad Jailani Khamis said they will abide by the leadership's decision.

"BN's intention to still contest 21 state seats shows their sincerity and stance.

PAS and PN still emphasise unity among Muslims and national unity,” he told FMT.

"Basically, we will follow whatever decision the leadership makes."

He commented on BN chairman Zahid Hamidi's statement that the coalition intends to defend all 21 state seats it won in the last Melaka state election.

The Umno president also stated that BN is open to having an understanding with any party, including PN, as in the Negeri Sembilan state election, where PN controlled 25 out of 36 seats.

In the 2021 Melaka state election, BN won 21 out of 28 state seats, with Pakatan Harapan (PH) winning five and PN securing two seats.

However, BN's seat tally was reduced to 20 after Jailani, who is also Rembia assemblyman, joined PAS in 2023.

Meanwhile, Melaka Parti Wawasan Negara (Wawasan) leader Dr Mohd Yadzil Yaakub has also left the matter of seat negotiations and cooperation between PN and BN to the party leadership.

Bemban assemblyman, who is also the Melaka opposition leader, opined that negotiations should be left to the wisdom of Wawasan president Hamzah Zainudin.

Earlier, FMT reported the view of political analyst Syaza Shukri that PN is expected to demand at least half of the 28 seats in the upcoming Melaka state election.

According to him, this demand is based on PN's victory in three Melaka parliamentary constituencies in GE15, namely Masjid Tanah, Tangga Batu and Jasin.

These three parliamentary constituencies comprise 14 state seats, 12 of which are controlled by BN.

PAS previously announced its intention to contest 16 out of 28 Melaka state seats, including challenging Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh in Tanjung Bidara.

Other seats targeted by the party are Pantai Kundor, Paya Rumput, Klebang, Ayer Limau, Kuala Linggi, Rembia, Durian Tunggal, Pengkalan Batu, Duyong, Merlimau and Serkam.