Melaka’s Ab Rauf to steer BN–Pakatan talks, Zahid says timing depends on dissolution

Formal negotiations between Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan on cooperation for the upcoming Melaka state election are anticipated to commence following the dissolution of the state legislative assembly, according to BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Only informal discussions have thus far transpired between the two coalitions, as reported by Berita Harian.

Zahid stated that Melaka BN chief and menteri besar Ab Rauf Yusoh would oversee the negotiations and finalize the arrangement. "We are leaving it to Ab Rauf. I think he will hold formal discussions after the state assembly is dissolved," Zahid remarked after a gathering in Serdang. PH election director Amirudin Shari revealed that he was awaiting Ab Rauf's initiation of formal talks on political cooperation in the state election, adding that he had spoken with Ab Rauf, but the Melaka BN chief wished to wait for policy decisions from Umno and BN's central leadership before proceeding.

Initially, Zahid suggested that BN and Perikatan Nasional would continue their alliance in the Melaka polls post their electoral triumph in Negeri Sembilan on Aug 1; however, this arrangement seemed to falter when Zahid indicated that BN aimed to contest the 21 seats they secured in the last Melaka election, while PN maintained that negotiations were still in progress.

Melaka comprises 28 state seats, with BN securing 21 in the 2021 state election, while PH claimed five and PN earned two. The state government's tenure is slated to conclude on Dec 31.