Barisan Nasional (BN) has postponed coalition talks for the Melaka state election until next week, with no preferred partner yet, as the ruling coalition emphasizes open negotiations and democratic principles ahead of the October 7 Election Commission meeting.
Postponement and Open Negotiations
The Melaka branch of Barisan Nasional (BN) has postponed its planned discussions with political parties to identify strategic allies for the upcoming Melaka State Election until next week, as stated by Melaka BN Chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh. The postponement, he explained, aims to secure a more suitable date, with assurances that the matter will be resolved soon. The negotiations have not been called off, but postponed to a more suitable date,
Ab Rauf said, citing Sinar Harian’s report. UMNO Secretary-General Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki also confirmed that any party willing to negotiate with Melaka BN would receive an invitation, adding, God willing, it will be resolved soon,
Malaymail reported.
The move came after statements by BN Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who stated that BN headquarters had arranged two separate meetings with different political groups this week to explore electoral pacts. Ab Rauf emphasized that evaluations of potential partnerships would focus on whether a coalition yields greater benefits or drawbacks for the party, stating, So, I am not leaning towards any specific coalition to become a strategic partner, but ultimately it will come down to an in-depth evaluation and study.
The final decision will be made by the UMNO Supreme Council, he added.
Amanah’s Stance and Democratic Principles
Addressing Parti Amanah Negara’s (Amanah) reported position that it would not cooperate with BN in the coming state election, Ab Rauf asserted that every party retains its democratic right. That is the right of each individual party. But we maintain this openness to celebrate democracy on Malaysia’s democratic stage as promised,
he said. He clarified that initial statements from individual coalition leaders do not serve as a benchmark, emphasizing that formal decisions depend entirely on the PH Presidential Council. I do not take that as a benchmark because what matters is the decision of the PH Presidential Council. If the Presidential Council says no, that is fine,
Ab Rauf noted.
Ab Rauf also addressed remarks by Amanah communications director Khalid Samad, who reportedly stated that Pakatan Harapan (PH) would reject any cooperation offer from BN. We do not want to be seen as forcing ourselves on someone who is not interested. But I take the invitation extended by the secretary-general at face value and without prejudice,
he said. The outcome of the negotiations, he added, would first be processed through internal party channels before a final decision by the supreme council.
Next Steps and Election Timeline
The Melaka state assembly, which was dissolved on September 23, must hold elections within 60 days, meaning by November 22. The Election Commission is set to meet on October 7 to finalize the writ, nomination day, polling day, and the electoral roll. Ab Rauf reiterated that BN would wait for the official invitation before proceeding with discussions, stating, We will wait until the official invitation has been issued to see whether these discussions can take place, or whether a decision to work together can proceed. It is entirely up to the respective parties whether they want to join us.
Thevibes reported.