Amirudin: 'If PH can work with Umno, why not Bersatu?'

Pakatan Harapan (PH) is open to the idea of cooperating with Bersatu in the upcoming Melaka election, according to election director Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. The Selangor Menteri Besar emphasized that PH is not opposed to considering alliances with various parties, including Bersatu, as political partnerships should be evaluated based on circumstances and the necessity for a stable government.

Amirudin noted that PH has previously collaborated with Bersatu, Umno, and even Pas, highlighting that such shifts in political alignment should not be perceived as political uncertainty but rather as a mature approach to cooperation. He stressed that PH remains united and ready to explore different possibilities in the Melaka election, while ensuring the strength of internal coalition cooperation.

Amirudin affirmed that PH is prepared for various scenarios in the Melaka election, while maintaining strong collaboration within the unity government. The unity government was established after political instability following the Sheraton Move, and Amirudin emphasized the need to avoid repeating past divisions. He stressed the importance of political parties being prepared for different possibilities and assessing potential alliances based on sincerity and a clear commitment to maintaining the stability and prosperity achieved under the unity government.

Amirudin, who has been tasked with handling potential electoral cooperation between PH and BN in Melaka, explained that BN chairman Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had indicated the coalition's intention to defend all 21 seats won in the 2021 state election while remaining open to electoral cooperation. BN won 21 out of the 28 seats in the 2021 election, while PH secured five, and Perikatan Nasional took two.

PAS reportedly held preliminary discussions with Umno regarding possible BN-PN cooperation in Melaka, though Bersatu was reportedly not included in the talks. PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang mentioned that PN was prepared to drop cooperation with BN if the coalition chose to contest with PH.