PAS assessing Umno’s strength in Melaka as it mulls alliance with BN

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang has stated that the organization is evaluating Umno's strength in Melaka ahead of discussions on forming an alliance with Barisan Nasional (BN) for the state election. During a recent speech at a Melaka PAS fundraising dinner, Hadi expressed uncertainty about Umno's strength in the region, stating that the party would make a decision based on discussions among its leadership.

Hadi provided an example from the Johor election, where PAS supported Umno and other BN parties in contested seats while urging PAS supporters to vote for them in non-contested seats. This strategy ultimately led to BN retaining control of the state, securing 48 out of the 56 seats contested. Hadi likened this to a football match, where PAS played the role of the goalkeeper allowing Umno to score, even though PAS itself did not score any goals.

In Negeri Sembilan, PAS adopted a more direct approach by partnering with Umno, which resulted in the two parties securing a place in the state government. Hadi claimed that BN's leadership was divided over forming an alliance with the pro-PN opposition bloc for the Melaka polls. However, he expressed confidence that an agreement could be reached, despite BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's recent insistence on defending the 21 seats BN won in the 2021 state election.