BN-PN pact expected in Melaka even as Umno delays talks

Melaka will soon hold its state elections after its assembly was dissolved on Wednesday. Experts believe Umno and PAS are likely to form an electoral pact, as both parties are hesitant to contest against each other for Malay-majority seats, where Umno has a slim majority. This comes as Umno is delaying its announcement of an ally for the upcoming coalition, Perikatan Nasional (PN).

Sources indicate that PAS is expected to finalize its arrangement with Umno before allocating seats among PN component parties. Umno chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has stated that formal negotiations with other parties will commence only after the state assembly is dissolved, which occurred on Wednesday. Melaka's Barisan Nasional chief, Ab Rauf Yusoh, has refrained from commenting on possible election pacts, stating that the coalition needs time to settle the dissolution before proceeding.

The BN party won 21 out of 28 seats in the 2021 Melaka polls, while PH secured five and PN won two, with Bersatu securing the remaining two. BN plans to defend all 21 seats won in 2021, leaving potential partners with only seven to contend for. PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man confirmed that the Islamic party will hold discussions with Umno soon, and PN will determine its seat allocations after PAS concludes its talks with Umno.