PH offer aimed at ending its losing streak, says Umno Youth man

An Umno Youth leader, Hafiz Ariffin, has dismissed Pakatan Harapan's (PH) offer to collaborate with Barisan Nasional (BN) ahead of the Melaka state election. Hafiz, Umno Youth secretary-general, expressed skepticism about the coalition's continuous criticism of BN and Umno during the Johor and Negeri Sembilan polls. He accused PH of revisiting past cases and using a recently released royal commission of inquiry report on Tabung Haji to attack Umno and BN.

Hafiz's Facebook post stated, "And now you want to join forces? No, thank you," emphasizing his personal opinion. This comes after PH election director Amirudin Shari revealed that PH had contacted Melaka BN chairman Ab Rauf Yusoh regarding a possible alliance for the Melaka state election. However, Amirudin clarified that the talks would depend on the decision by Umno and BN's central leadership.

Hafiz viewed PH's offer as a two-pronged strategy to break their losing streak by aligning with the party that has support and as a subtle threat, hinting at increased pressure on BN if it refuses to cooperate. PH suffered significant losses in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state polls. Hafiz advised Melaka Youth to reject PH and guide them towards another path.

While BN and PH are allies in the federal government, PH holds the opposition position in the Melaka state assembly. State assembly elections must take place by February next year. BN currently possesses 21 out of the 28 seats, PH holds 5, and Perikatan Nasional has 2. BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi affirmed that the coalition would defend its 21 seats and is open to discussions with any coalition.