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

Malaysia's Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has announced that formal negotiations with Pakatan Harapan (PH) regarding cooperation for the upcoming Melaka state election will commence only after the state assembly is dissolved. The negotiations will be led by Melaka BN's Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, who has been assigned the task of negotiating and finalizing any decisions, according to Berita Harian (BH).

Zahid, who is also the deputy prime minister and Umno president, stated that only informal discussions have taken place between BN and PH up until now. He further added that Ab Rauf had already briefed the BN political bureau in Melaka, with the details subsequently presented to the party's supreme council for further study based on data compiled by its war room. Zahid told BH that they are handing this matter to Datuk Seri Ab Rauf and believe he will initiate formal discussions once the Melaka assembly is dissolved.

Meanwhile, PH election director Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari revealed that the coalition is eagerly awaiting Ab Rauf's confirmation of his readiness before negotiations can begin. Shari, who is leading the talks, mentioned that he had contacted Ab Rauf but was informed to wait for a policy decision from BN and Umno's central leadership.