Melaka Barisan Nasional has staked its ground for the upcoming state election, demanding to defend all 21 seats it won in 2021 as Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh hints the assembly could dissolve at any time ahead of its December expiration.
The political maneuvering in Melaka has shifted into a higher gear as state leaders draw firm lines ahead of an expected state legislative assembly election. Melaka Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh announced that the coalition will insist on contesting all 21 state seats it secured during the 2021 mandate as a strict prerequisite for any political cooperation.
Drawing the Line on the 21-Seat Threshold
Speaking after attending the Melaka Digital Kampung Directional Alignment Workshop in Alor Gajah, Ab Rauf made it clear that the coalition’s electoral footprint from the 15th state election is non-negotiable. The coalition formed the government following that victory, taking 21 of the state’s 28 total seats, while Pakatan Harapan claimed five and Perikatan Nasional took two.
That tally shifted slightly when Rembia assemblyman Jailani Khamis defected to PAS before the state’s anti-hopping law took effect, leaving BN with 20 seats in the current legislature. Despite that defection, the state leadership insists that its baseline for seat negotiations remains fixed. Melaka BN will defend all 21 state seats won in 2021 in the upcoming state election, with Ab Rauf stating: We will not compromise on the 21 seats; that is our bottom line for negotiations.
Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh also reiterated this position in Alor Gajah on Thursday, stating: We will not compromise on the 21 seats, that is our boundary for negotiations.
Barisan Nasional (BN) Melaka intends to defend all 21 state seats it previously won in the upcoming 16th state election. BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, who also chairs the state BN, had conveyed the target to him. Ahmad Zahid told reporters after the Rural and Regional Development Ministry’s monthly assembly in Putrajaya: The chief minister has expressed his determination to retain all 21 seats.
Ab Rauf Yusoh, Melaka BN Chief
PAS Discussions and Central Leadership Control
Reports indicating that three senior PAS leaders are expected to hold discussions with Ab Rauf this week have drawn cautious openness from the state leadership. While welcoming incoming talks, the state Umno chief emphasized that local leaders lack the authority to finalize electoral pacts independently.
Any potential partnership must clear high-level internal hurdles before moving forward. Ab Rauf stressed that the basis of any negotiation must rely on reasonable rationale and secure approval from the central party apparatus, noting: I welcome anyone who wants to come, but the basis of the discussions must be founded on a very reasonable rationale because I cannot make any decision unless I obtain the blessing of the Supreme Council (MT).
Ab Rauf Yusoh, Melaka Chief Minister
At the federal level, Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi confirmed that the central leadership has been briefed on the state’s electoral goals. Ahmad Zahid noted that the chief minister expressed clear determination to retain the target seats during discussions following the Rural and Regional Development Ministry’s monthly assembly in Putrajaya, adding: There will certainly be discussions among all parties. As the Melaka chief minister has said, he is very open to them. The central BN leadership will be consulted and will make the final decision on any agreement reached.
Timing the Dissolution and Regional Momentum
Speculation has mounted that the Melaka State Legislative Assembly could be dissolved this September, setting the stage for an intense campaign cycle. When pressed on the exact timeline, Ab Rauf offered no specific calendar date, pointing instead to political theater.
There is no problem; it’s just that I’ve not received any inspiration about the date yet. I will dissolve the assembly when the time comes. If I tell you now, there will be no thrill,
he added. Ab Rauf further elaborated on the timing: The election can be held at any time, there is no problem, it is just that I have not received any inspiration about the date yet. I will dissolve the assembly when the time comes. If I tell you now, there will not be any ‘thrill’.
Ab Rauf Yusoh, Melaka Chief Minister
The state machinery enters this election season buoyed by recent regional outcomes. BN’s performance in the Negeri Sembilan state election injected visible confidence into local campaign units, prompting leadership to urge grassroots workers to lean into direct community outreach rather than office-bound strategy. Addressing the public during the Jelajah Ketua Menteri Sayang Rakyat (MeSRa) DUN Telok Mas program at the Tanjung Nibong Fishermen’s Jetty, Ab Rauf remarked on the recent victory: We yesterday heard the result (state election) in Negeri Sembilan. Beautiful isn’t it?. So what is wrong if it is splashed (victory) to Melaka a bit, can?. Who wants to splash this?. You people are the ones who splash. That is why in this Chief Minister With the People Tour program I do indeed go out to find the villagers. He also added: No need to come look for me at the office (let) I come meet all of you and talk about whatever problems there are.
