Zahid gives Rauf mandate to negotiate Melaka election cooperation

TANJUNG MALIM: Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has granted Melaka BN chief Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh the authority to negotiate potential cooperation agreements with other political parties ahead of the upcoming state election. Zahid clarified that Rauf, along with Melaka BN office officials, would engage in talks and negotiations with any coalition or political party open to forming an understanding with BN.

He stated this to reporters following the Central Zone Polytechnic and Community College Convocation Ceremony at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris. Zahid emphasized that the results of these negotiations would be presented to the BN and Umno leadership at the central level for a final decision. He reiterated that he had previously authorized Rauf, with the support of his office staff, to conduct these discussions and negotiations.

Zahid provided his response to inquiries regarding BN's preparations for the Melaka election after the Legislative Assembly was dissolved. The 28-member Melaka Legislative Assembly was dissolved on the same day, setting the stage for the election scheduled for November 20, 2021. In the 15th Melaka election, BN secured victory with 21 out of 28 seats, while Pakatan Harapan (PH) won five seats and Perikatan Nasional (PN) claimed two.

However, the state executive council also comprised PH assemblymen, mirroring the federal unity government's composition.