[UPDATED] BN, PN ink pact to face 16th Melaka election

KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional (BN) and its strategic partner Pas, part of the Perikatan Nasional coalition, have formalised their cooperation ahead of the 16th Melaka election, it was reported today. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki and PN secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, who also serves as Pas secretary-general.

BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was present at the signing ceremony. After the council meeting at Menara Dato Onn, Dr Asyraf confirmed that BN and PN agreed to launch a joint election manifesto, vowing to deliver the best services to the people and build upon the achievements made by the previous Melaka state government.

The manifesto will be unveiled after the nomination day, scheduled for Saturday. The supreme council further directed that party members and supporters should support PN candidates running in the election, urging campaign conduct to be conducted prudently and ethically, avoiding derogatory remarks against opposing parties. The council also clarified that Parti Wawasan would not be fielding candidates, as the decision lies with PN.

BN is set to contest 21 seats, including two reserved for MCA and one for MIC, whereas PN will contest seven seats. BN Melaka chairman and caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh emphasised the coordination of campaign activities for the state election, urging everyone to focus on the 21 constituencies being contested.

The Election Commission has set the polling day for November 14, with early voting taking place on November 10. In the 2021 Melaka election, BN clinched 21 out of the 28 seats, securing the state government; Pakatan Harapan won five seats, while PN secured two.