Get ready – don’t wait for Melaka polls strategy, PH told

Pakatan Harapan (PH) must bolster its election apparatus for the Melaka polls, irrespective of whether it collaborates with Barisan Nasional (BN) or stands alone in the contest, according to Amanah secretary-general Faiz Fadzil. The PH presidential council is yet to determine its stance on working with other parties or contesting independently.

Faiz cautioned that avoiding previous election setbacks in Johor and Negeri Sembilan is crucial, attributing those losses to shortcomings in PH's election machinery. He stated that the PH leadership is actively endeavoring to enhance the election machinery. The PH's Melaka election strategy has come under scrutiny due to the rising discourse around potential political alliances between Umno and PAS, following Umno's invitation of PAS leaders to the Umno general assembly.

BN has confirmed its intention to contest all 21 of its seats and is open to negotiations with any coalition. PH's election director, Amirudin Shari, is awaiting a response from BN chairman Ab Rauf Yusoh regarding formal discussions on potential cooperation in the state. BN currently commands 21 of the 28 seats in the Melaka state assembly, while PH holds five, and PN holds two.

State assembly elections must be conducted by February at the latest, unless the assembly is dissolved earlier.