{
  "id": 9443275,
  "title": "BN planning for a ‘walkover’ in the coming Melaka election?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/bn-planning-for-a-walkover-in-the-coming-melaka-election",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-23T23:55:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Vibes",
    "slug": "the-vibes",
    "url": "https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/127616/bn-planning-for-a-walkover-in-the-coming-melaka-election"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Reports suggest that the Parti Islam Se-Melayu (PAS) plans to contest 16 out of the 28 parliamentary seats in Melaka during the upcoming election. Tanjung Bidara, currently held by the caretaker Chief Minister Ab Rauf, is among the seats the PAS is targeting. The state election, which was initially slated to occur before those in Johor and Negeri Sembilan, has been scheduled for a time that appears to be strategically advantageous for the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf. The Melaka assembly currently comprises 28 seats, with the last election held on November 20, 2021, resulting in a BN victory of 21 seats, PH securing 5 seats, and PN taking 2.\n\nNegotiations among the parties have been ongoing to determine their approach for the coalition. However, it is evident that under pressure from their recent wins in Johor and Negeri Sembilan, led by UMNO, the BN is aiming for a near-complete victory in the upcoming state election. There are indications that PAS is planning to contest 16 seats, including Tanjung Bidara, while the PH is reportedly attempting to negotiate a deal with Bersatu, though this arrangement is yet to be confirmed. This election marks the first electoral test for the Pardons Board allowing former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his sentence under home detention, as well as the ongoing constitutional crisis in Negeri Sembilan, both of which have contributed to heightened tensions.\n\nThe Democratic Action Party (DAP) appears secure in retaining Ayer Keroh, Bandar Hilir, Kota Lakasamana, and Kesidang, given their significant vote margins. However, the departure of DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke and the lack of any declarations from other DAP ministers regarding their future could impact their performance. The Amanah party holds a 1,057-vote majority in Bukit Katil, a seat that UMNO/PAS is likely to contest fiercely. The Parti Kebangsaan Rakyat (PKR) does not currently hold any seats in the Melaka State Assembly and would face significant challenges to gain new representation. The Sunai Udang seat, previously won by Bersatu member Mohd Aleef Yusof in 2021, had a narrow margin of 530 votes, and it is anticipated to be contested by either UMNO or PAS.\n\nShould the BN and PAS reach an electoral agreement, BN is projected to secure around 21 seats, with PAS potentially gaining up to 3 seats, while the DAP would maintain its current four seats. Conversely, if a deal between BN and PAS is not reached, PAS might be able to increase its seat count. From this perspective, the Melaka state election may not be a decisive event. However, the success of BN in achieving a clean sweep in Johor and Negeri Sembilan could heighten pressure on the Prime Minister to call for an early general election, potentially leading to increased political instability. The Prime Minister has so far resisted the call for an early election, which suggests that any escalation in political turmoil is expected as the situation unfolds, as of September 24, 2026.",
  "summary": "By Murray Hunter AFTER a long wait, the Melaka chief minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh has called a state election, due within 60 from September 23. The Melaka state election should have been held before Johor and Negeri Sembilan, but the chief minis...",
  "key_points": [
    "PAS plans to contest 16 out of 28 Melaka parliamentary seats in upcoming election.",
    "BN aims for near-complete victory, targeting Tanjung Bidara seat.",
    "DAP retains Ayer Keroh, Bandar Hilir, Kota Lakasamana, Kesidang seats."
  ],
  "editors_take": "A potential BN-PAS electoral agreement in Melaka would likely solidify BN's hold on the state, while PAS's increased presence could come at the expense of other coalition partners and opposition parties.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}