Zahid backs CSA with opposition MPs

The Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, endorsed the confidence and supply agreement (CSA) signed between the government and opposition MPs. Speaking at the Tanjung Bidara seat nomination centre in Ayer Keroh, Zahid praised the agreement, stating it was a positive measure taken previously when Ismail Sabri Yaakob was the prime minister. He hoped the CSA could be extended to other political parties.

The CSA, signed by six Bersatu MPs and six former Bersatu MPs who defected to the government, seeks to limit the prime minister's tenure, separate the attorney-general and public prosecutor roles before the current government's term ends, and provide equal constituency development allocations to opposition MPs as those given to government MPs. In return, the opposition MPs will support the government until the end of the parliamentary term and the 2027 budget.

Zahid also noted that the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) did not boycott the upcoming Melaka election, contrary to expectations. The party will contest four seats in the election on November 14, having contested five seats previously. MCA was initially allocated only Kelebang and Machap Jaya, but following discussions with the BN leadership, they were also allowed to contest Bandar Hilir and Kota Laksamana.

Zahid expressed his hope that the election campaign would remain free from smear tactics or negative campaigning.