Ab Rauf rules out meeting Hadi as Melaka election speculation intensifies

MELAKA - BN chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh has firmly dismissed any possibility of meeting with PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang ahead of the anticipated Melaka state election. Hadi Awang is currently in the state for party-related activities, including the attendance of a PAS Melaka charity dinner. Ab Rauf, also serving as Melaka Chief Minister, made this announcement following the conclusion of the 14th Chief Minister's Sayang Rakyat Roadshow in Alor Gajah.

The Melaka state election is anticipated to take place soon, leading to heightened political discussions regarding potential alliances between the Barisan Nasional (BN) and PAS, under the Perikatan Nasional (PN) banner. This speculation has arisen due to a previous cooperation agreement that facilitated BN-PN's formation of the state government during the recent Negeri Sembilan state election on August 1st. However, no definitive decision has been made regarding a similar arrangement for Melaka.

Meanwhile, Pakatan Harapan (PH) has reportedly been exploring potential cooperation with BN in the forthcoming state election. Abdul Hadi Awang, when asked about the prospect of BN-PN collaboration, emphasized that any such partnership should consider PAS's past contributions to political platforms in Johor and Negeri Sembilan. He added that all pertinent factors would be taken into account during ongoing negotiations with BN, describing the discussions as showing positive progress.

Upon the appropriate time, Ab Rauf disclosed that the State Legislative Assembly would be dissolved to facilitate the upcoming election, as mandated by the established timeline.