'We won't chase them': Melaka BN waits for official PH decision

AYER KEROH: The Barisan Nasional (BN) will not consider individual statements by Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders as the basis for their political cooperation talks ahead of the Melaka election, according to Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, Melaka BN chairman. Rauf emphasized that the PH presidential council's official decision would be crucial in determining their overall position.

He stated, "I do not take Khalid's statement as a benchmark because what is important is the decision of the PH presidential council. If the presidential council says it does not want to, then what can we do? I do not want to be in a situation where we are chasing after people who do not appreciate us."

Rauf, who is also Melaka chief minister, clarified that all parties have the right to express their respective positions on the proposed political understanding. He reiterated that BN would wait for a formal invitation to discuss the possibility of working together. He added, "Let us wait until the formal invitation is made to see whether these discussions can be held and whether an agreement to work together can proceed. It is up to any party to decide whether it wants to work with us."

Meanwhile, Rauf assured that Melaka BN would continue its preparations for the election, including strengthening the party's infrastructure and election machinery at all levels. He stated, "We will continue preparations without waiting for a final decision on any form of political cooperation."