Seven seats in play, 21 firmly held: Zahid stakes out BN’s position in Melaka

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 15 — Barisan Nasional (BN) aims to retain 21 seats from the previous Melaka state election, with Perikatan Nasional (PN) parties discussing the remaining seven constituencies. BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the coalition is in talks with PN's core parties but firmly asserts that the retained seats are non-negotiable.

Any sharing may involve seat swaps, but the 21 seats will remain BN's. Zahid, in Beijing for a five-day visit, hinted at diminishing cooperation with Pakatan Harapan (PH), BN's federal partner. He confirmed that Melaka Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh will decide on BN's electoral strategy, with an announcement expected before the October 31 nomination deadline.