‘We are always open’: BN still negotiating political cooperation, says Asyraf Wajdi

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 30 — Umno secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki announced that negotiations over the Barisan Nasional’s (BN) strategy for the Melaka state election are still underway, with political cooperation arrangements yet to be determined. According to Utusan Malaysia, Asyraf indicated the discussions are being conducted at the leadership level and mentioned that the Election Commission has not yet disclosed the election date.

Speaking after inaugurating the Mara Automotive Ecosystem (MATEC) 2026, Asyraf was quoted as saying, "We are still negotiating. Let’s wait. The Election Commission has not even announced the date yet." When asked if the coalition was considering a new political alignment, he affirmed that BN remained on the same course, stating, "If they (Pakatan Harapan) do not want to cooperate, that is their right.

We cannot force them because it is their party, not ours. We are always open." Melaka BN chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh had previously stated that BN would commence talks with other political entities ahead of the 16th Melaka state election. He mentioned that the discussions would include BN’s stance on defending the 21 state seats it secured in the 2021 election.

However, Utusan Malaysia later reported that no meeting between BN and other political groupings occurred at Menara Dato’ Onn on Monday as initially anticipated.