BN keeping options open beyond PN in Melaka, says analyst

Barisan Nasional (BN) is considering political alliances beyond Perikatan Nasional (PN), according to analyst Azmi Hassan. This comes as BN seeks greater electoral gains in future elections. The Melaka state assembly is set to seek a new mandate by February next year. BN's openness to discussions with other political groups was evident after its victory in the recent state election, where it declared that it could cooperate with other parties.

However, PAS president Hadi Awang remains cautious, stating that preliminary talks between BN and PAS are still ongoing. BN's shift in priorities may be due to competing demands for seat allocation. PAS is predicted to seek more than seven seats in Melaka, based on its performance in the 2021 election. Meanwhile, PN won only two seats in the 2021 federal polls, while PH won the remaining five.

BN historically dominated Melaka, but lost the state in the 2018 election. Former BN chairman Ab Rauf Yusoh has been given the authority to negotiate a deal with any political party. While BN may collaborate with PH in Melaka, it remains open to working with other coalitions, depending on electoral benefits and demographic factors.