[UPDATED] No PH-Bersatu talks on Melaka polls yet, says Fahmi

PUTRAJAYA: Pakatan Harapan (PH) communications director Fahmi Fadzil has stated that there have been no official talks on collaboration between PH and Bersatu for the upcoming Melaka state election. Fahmi, who was not present at a reported dinner meeting between PH and Bersatu leaders in Melaka, had not received any information about the event.

He clarified that it was merely an informal dinner and not a formal meeting discussed with him. Similarly, Hishamuddin Abdul Karim, the Melaka Bersatu information chief, confirmed the dinner was only an informal exchange of views on election preparations. PH communications minister Fahmi, also the Communications Minister, said any decision on political cooperation would be made through the PH Presidential Council.

Health minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, who was present at the alleged dinner, also stated he had no information on the gathering. The Melaka PH chairman Adly Zahari had previously mentioned that PH was finalizing discussions with Bersatu and other parties to form a PH Plus cooperation for the state election, but any announcement would await completion of these talks.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had also earlier confirmed discussions with Bersatu, though no agreement had been reached, leaving the matter to the coalition's election committee.