PN to contest all seats in Melaka if talks with BN break down

Perikatan Nasional (PN) is set to contest every seat in the Melaka state election if it cannot reach an agreement with Barisan Nasional (BN), according to Wawasan vice-president Rahim Thamby Chik. BN has yet to decide on a partner for the Melaka polls, but Rahim remains hopeful that discussions between the two parties could result in an alliance.

If BN refuses to cooperate, PN will also proceed on its own and contest all state seats. The former chief minister emphasized that Wawasan specifically targeted the Bemban and Sungai Udang seats, which had previously been won by Bersatu, a PN component that has since separated from the coalition's chairman, PAS. A source reportedly indicated that the Melaka executive council meeting, usually held on Wednesday, has been moved up, leading to speculation that the state assembly may be dissolved this week.

Governor Ali Rustam signed the dissolution notice last week while he was away on official duties. BN's Melaka chairman, Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh, has been tasked with negotiating electoral cooperation with any party for the state election. However, BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stressed that a potential partner must be sincere and honest. Formal talks between BN and PN would commence only after the Melaka assembly is dissolved.