‘Dinner, but no deal yet’: Fahmi says nothing formal between Pakatan and Bersatu for now

PUTRAJAYA, September 30 — Pakatan Harapan (PH) has not initiated formal talks with Bersatu regarding potential collaboration for the upcoming Melaka state election, despite a closed-door meeting between their representatives earlier this week. Fahmi Fadzil, PH's communications director, stated that any decision on political cooperation would need to be made by the coalition's presidential council and that he had not received any information about formal negotiations with Bersatu.

He emphasized that no formal developments have taken place thus far. The dinner meeting between PH and Bersatu leaders in Melaka on Monday night had sparked speculation about the possibility of an electoral arrangement between the two sides ahead of the state election. However, Adam Adli Abdul Halim, acting Melaka PKR chairman, described the gathering as a chance to maintain friendly relations, while Bersatu's information chief, Datuk Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz, called it an informal session to exchange views.

PH has also indicated its willingness to discuss with other parties, mentioning that they are still awaiting an invitation for talks from PAS, the only party that has not yet extended an invitation. This comes as political parties ponder their electoral strategies before the Election Commission meets on October 7 to finalize key dates for the 16th Melaka state election. The Melaka state assembly was dissolved on September 23.