Pas members barred from backing Bersatu in Melaka polls

Pakatan Harapan (PH) communications director Khalid Samad has called on the coalition to stand alone in the upcoming Melaka polls and the next general election (GE16), specifically to challenge Umno and PAS. With a Barisan Nasional-Perikatan Nasional deal set for Melaka and probable for GE16, Khalid argues that going solo would present a cohesive front to present PH's policies and candidates with clear principles, avoiding any ambiguity about political maneuvering or cooperation with other parties.

By doing so, PH could bolster its identity, promote accountability, and gain voter trust, especially among Malays. Khalid urged PH to explicitly reject Umno's money politics and PAS's autocracy, clarifying to voters the drawbacks of these practices. He stated that Malays should understand there is a third option in Malay politics represented by Amanah, PKR, or DAP - entities that champion good governance, efficient services, and people's wellbeing.

Rejecting Umno and PAS should be PH's principal slogan in the Melaka polls and GE16, according to the former MP. Currently, PH is allied with BN in the government, but BN recently allied with PN during the Negeri Sembilan polls, securing a two-thirds majority. BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi recently confirmed that the Umno-led coalition will team up with PN again in Melaka polls.

BN will contest 21 of the 28 seats in the Melaka state assembly, while PAS and its PN allies will compete for the remaining seven. The Election Commission has scheduled polling day for Melaka elections on Nov 14, with nominations to be submitted on Oct 31, and early voting on Nov 10.