Melaka polls: Bersatu veep's position on PH support is personal, says Ramanan

PKR vice-president Datuk Seri R. Ramanan clarified that the People's Choice Alliance's stance on supporting candidates from Bersatu (Bersatu) in the Melaka election was a personal decision, not a directive from the party. Ramanan expressed that the PH would maintain amicable relations with any party based on friendship, but would not hesitate to face political rivals if necessary.

He emphasized that if there was no alternative, they would engage in conflict, but if cooperation was preferred, as often stated by PH leader Mohamad Sabu, they could maintain amicable relations. Ramanan made these remarks when he was asked to comment on Ahmad Faizal Azumu's statement that Bersatu had not directed its members and supporters to vote for PH candidates in Melaka constituencies where both parties were not in direct competition.

Earlier, Melaka PH chairman Adly Zahari stated that the coalition would depend on its own campaign apparatus and supporters, warning that support from Bersatu alone would not guarantee victory for PH candidates. As nomination day approached on October 31, there was speculation that Bersatu would partner with PH to challenge Barisan Nasional, which was also contesting the election alongside Pas and its allies.

However, Bersatu withdrew from the Gadek contest and merged with Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra) for the November 14 election. This leaves Bersatu and PH in direct competition in three constituencies: Ayer Keroh, Klebang, and Pengkalan Batu. Bersatu is also facing Wawasan and Gerakan in Bemban and Ayer Keroh, respectively.

According to Ramanan, the political climate in Melaka was relatively calm and positive, with growing momentum as the election day approached.