Azmin pours cold water on PH-Bersatu pact, says no deal reached

KUALA LUMPUR: Bersatu's secretary-general, Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, has expressed skepticism about the possibility of a coalition with Pakatan Harapan for the upcoming Melaka election. Azmin stated that no decision had been made regarding any cooperation agreement with PH. He emphasized that cooperation with any party was not a reality.

Instead, Bersatu is concentrating on preparing for the election in several key seats, including the two they currently hold. Azmin did not disclose whether Bersatu would contest the election independently. PH's communications director, Fahmi Fadzil, confirmed that no formal conversations took place between PH and Bersatu on potential collaboration for the Melaka election.

Khalid Abdul Samad, Amanah's communications director, further stated that any cooperation would necessitate Bersatu's comprehension of PH's principles on performance, integrity, and values. On September 19, Melaka's PH chairman, Adly Zahari, mentioned that PH was finalizing negotiations with other compatible parties, including Bersatu, to explore a potential PH Plus arrangement.

The Melaka state assembly was dissolved on September 23, with the Election Commission scheduled to meet on October 7 to decide on the election dates. During the 2021 Melaka election, Barisan Nasional secured 21 out of 28 seats, PH five, and Perikatan Nasional two. Bersatu had won both of PN's seats in Sungai Udang and Bemban under the PN banner, although both incumbents subsequently shifted their allegiance to Wawasan.