{
  "id": 10883603,
  "title": "Asyraf: BN can't force PH into Melaka pact, but still open to talks",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/asyraf-bn-cant-force-ph-into-melaka-pact-but-still-open-to-talks",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-30T06:48:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/09/1544582/asyraf-bn-cant-force-ph-melaka-pact-still-open-talks"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR - Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki stated that Barisan Nasional cannot compel Pakatan Harapan to ally with the coalition in the upcoming Melaka election. Should Pakatan Harapan choose not to collaborate, BN retains the right to do so. However, BN remains receptive to negotiations, according to Dr. Asyraf, who spoke to reporters at the Mara Automotive Ecosystem pre-launch.\n\nPH has dismissed any possibility of working with BN and Perikatan Nasional in the Melaka polls, with PH election director Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari citing a lack of progress in talks with BN.\n\nWhen asked about BN's negotiations, Dr. Asyraf clarified that conversations are still in progress. BN and PN secured 25 of the 36 seats in the Negri Sembilan election, and BN chairman Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi indicated that the understanding between the two coalitions would persist in Melaka. The Election Commission has not yet disclosed the date for the Melaka election.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional cannot force Pakatan Harapan to partner with the coalition in the upcoming Melaka election, says Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "‘We are always open’: BN still negotiating political cooperation, says Asyraf Wajdi",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/we-are-always-open-bn-still-negotiating-political-cooperation-says",
        "published": "2026-09-30T05:43:06.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}