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

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 30 — Umno secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki disclosed that negotiations regarding Barisan Nasional’s (BN) strategy for the Melaka state election continue, with the coalition's political cooperation arrangements still pending. According to Utusan Malaysia, Asyraf explained that discussions are ongoing at the leadership level and highlighted that the Election Commission has yet to announce the election date.

He remarked, "We are still negotiating. Let’s wait. The Election Commission has not even announced the date yet," following his inauguration of the Mara Automotive Ecosystem (MATEC) 2026 in Melaka. When asked if BN was contemplating a new political alignment, Asyraf affirmed the coalition's commitment to its existing path. "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," he stated. Melaka BN chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh had previously said on Sunday that BN would initiate talks with other political entities in the lead-up to the 16th Melaka state election. He mentioned that the discussions would encompass BN's stance on defending the 21 state seats the party secured in the 2021 election.

Nonetheless, Utusan Malaysia later reported that a meeting between BN and other political blocs did not occur at Menara Dato’ Onn on Monday as initially anticipated.