BN Melaka free to negotiate, Zahid confirms Ab Rauf empowered to lead coalition seat talks

Malay state of Melaka's Barisan Nasional (BN) party has been granted permission to engage in negotiations with other political coalitions prior to the upcoming state election, according to a report by Harian Metro. BN chairman, Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, has empowered Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh to spearhead the discussions aimed at reaching mutual agreements for stable governance.

Zahid expressed his optimism that the typically intricate process of seat allocations could be conducted smoothly and amicably. He further stated that no problem should be insurmountable, as per the report. Ab Rauf, who also presides over Melaka BN and the Umno state liaison body, will subsequently share the results of the negotiations with the coalition's higher echelons before any final decisions are made.

Additionally, Zahid, who serves as the Umno president, did not dismiss the possibility of attending PAS's annual congress, should he receive an official invitation. He further mentioned that Umno would be represented by its leadership team in his absence.