BN Plus, PH Plus seek allies ahead of Melaka polls

As the 16th Melaka election draws near, both the Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) blocs are actively seeking alliances ahead of the state polls. The BN is implementing its BN Plus strategy, while the PH is developing its PH Plus plan. This maneuvering comes after the Melaka state assembly was dissolved on September 23, clearing the way for the state election expected later this month.

BN Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi recently revealed that Umno headquarters had arranged meetings with two political groups, led by Melaka BN Chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh and Umno Secretary-General Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki. However, Ab Rauf later clarified that no actual meetings took place at the Menara Dato Onn conference center in Kuala Lumpur.

BN insists it aims to protect its 2021 state election seats, while discussions over possible cooperation, party interests, and political arrangements continue. PH Chairman Adly Zahari has confirmed that negotiations are underway with parties sharing similar goals, including Bersatu. PH has already allocated seats among its three component parties - PKR, Amanah, and DAP - while talks with other parties continue.

PH communications director Fahmi Fadzil dismissed reports of a private dinner attended by PH and Bersatu leaders and Putra members as just a dinner, not an official negotiation. However, a PH secretary-general's statement suggests that any cooperation decision will be made by the PH presidential council. Despite the ongoing talks, Bersatu Secretary-General Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali has ruled out any electoral pact with PH for the Melaka election.

Instead, Bersatu is concentrating on preparations in several targeting seats. The week has been marked by intense political negotiations, focusing not only on potential alliances but also the overall shape of those partnerships and post-election strategies as the state election approaches.