PH, BN weigh Melaka election pact as Amirudin moves to open talks with Anwar

The Pakatan Harapan election director, Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, is expected to meet coalition chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to discuss the possibility of a cooperation pact between PH and Barisan Nasional in the upcoming Melaka state election. Amirudin, who is also the Selangor Menteri Besar, has not yet met with Melaka BN chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, but anticipates further discussions after his meeting with Anwar.

He stated that PH and BN have only made statements thus far and that no strategic decisions have been made. Amirudin suggested that formal talks could begin within one to two weeks, provided sufficient time remains. The potential cooperation is significant given the contrasting performance of PH and BN in the 2021 Melaka state election, where BN won 21 out of 28 seats, while PH secured five and two were won by Perikatan Nasional.

The relationship between PH and BN at the federal level has faced challenges since July, when Melaka PH withdrew its support for the state government over objections to a constitutional amendment. If successful, the proposed agreement could help PH and BN avoid direct contests in selected constituencies, strengthening their combined position against the Pakatan Nasional.

The PH election committee, headed by Amirudin and PH secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, will examine the possibility of cooperation with BN in the Melaka polls.