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

Umno Youth secretary-general Hafiz Ariffin has dismissed the Pakatan Harapan (PH) offer to work with Barisan Nasional (BN) ahead of the Melaka state election, criticizing the coalition's continuous attacks on BN and Umno during the recent Johor and Negeri Sembilan polls. Hafiz accused PH of resurrecting old cases and utilizing a recently released royal commission of inquiry report on Tabung Haji to target Umno and BN. He expressed his personal opinion that forging an alliance with PH was not an option.

PH's election director, Amirudin Shari, had reportedly reached out to Melaka BN chairman Ab Rauf Yusoh regarding a potential alliance for the upcoming Melaka state election. However, Amirudin stated that these talks would depend on the decisions made by Umno and BN's central leadership.

Hafiz suggested that PH's offer was a two-pronged approach to break their losing streak by aligning with the party that had support, and positioning themselves as a "subtle threat" that would apply pressure on BN if it declines to cooperate. He advised Melaka Youth to reject PH and guide them towards a better path.

Despite being federal government coalition allies, PH currently holds the opposition position in the Melaka state assembly. The upcoming state assembly elections are scheduled to take place by February of the following year. BN currently leads with 21 out of the 28 seats, with PH holding five seats and Perikatan Nasional having two. BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi affirmed that the coalition would defend its 21 seats and was receptive to discussions with any coalition.