Melaka polls: BN pushes alliance talks to next week, says no preferred partner yet

Melaka, October 1 — The Barisan Nasional (BN) party in Malaysia has moved the discussions with potential political partners for the upcoming Melaka state election to the following week. Ab Rauf Yusoh, the state coalition chairman, stated that no specific ally has been identified as a preferred partner yet. The rescheduling of talks aims to allow for a more convenient date to be set, according to Sinar Harian.

Umno secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki also issued an official statement announcing that any party could be invited to negotiate with BN for the Melaka state election. Ab Rauf emphasized that the coalition would evaluate any proposed collaboration based on the benefits or drawbacks it brings to the coalition. The final decision will be made by the Umno supreme council.

This postponement follows BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's announcement on Saturday that the coalition would hold separate meetings with two different groups to discuss possible cooperation before the Melaka state election. The state's 28-seat assembly was dissolved on September 23, triggering the state's 16th election, which must be held within 60 days, by November 22.

The Election Commission is scheduled to meet on October 7 to set the election date, nomination day, polling day, and decide on the electoral roll. Ab Rauf noted that the Pakatan Harapan (PH) party's earlier stance of not cooperating with BN for the Melaka election is their right, but BN is adopting an open approach based on the democratic principles of Malaysia.