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

Gerik, on August 10 — The Barisan Nasional (BN) party in Melaka has been granted permission to engage in negotiations with any political alliance in the lead-up to the state election. According to Harian Metro, BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has authorized Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh to spearhead the talks aimed at reaching a consensus regarding the state's future.

"I trust that the discussions, which can often be fraught during seat distribution negotiations, can proceed smoothly," Zahid expressed, adding that no obstacle is insurmountable. It is worth noting that Ab Rauf, who serves as both the chairperson of Melaka BN and Umno's state liaison body, will subsequently submit the results of these talks to the coalition's highest decision-making body for final approval.

In a related development, Zahid, who also holds the presidency of Umno, has not dismissed the possibility of attending PAS's annual congress should he receive an official invite. He further indicated that if he is unable to personally attend, Umno's leadership would step in to represent them.