Barisan Nasional (BN) is nearing the conclusion of seat negotiations for the Melaka state election, with the coalition aiming to defend the 21 state seats it won in the previous polls.
Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said discussions were 90% complete, with negotiations continuing over the remaining seven seats in the 28-seat state legislative assembly, including the possibility of seat swaps, the New Straits Times reported.
“The negotiations have reached 90 per cent completion, with only 10 per cent remaining. In other words, we have agreed on the basic framework.
“There are seven more seats that we will discuss, including the possibility of seat swaps,” he told reporters after officiating the closing of the 2026 MRSM Bintang Media programme.
Asyraf said there was a desire among grassroots members to see the concept of ‘perpaduan ummah’ become a reality, particularly through cooperation between the two largest Malay political parties.
Asyraf stresses sincerity and trust
Although Asyraf declined to identify the parties involved in the negotiations before a final agreement was reached, his remarks addressed ongoing discussions between Umno and PAS.
Asked whether the current talks appeared to favour PAS, he said any electoral cooperation must be based on mutual sincerity and trust.
“If we are friends, we must be genuine friends. Do not befriend someone only to stab them in the back.
“Do not appear friendly in front of them while intimidating them behind their backs through various means that are unbecoming of partners,” he said.
BN-PAS talks nearing conclusion
Asyraf’s remarks followed a statement by PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man on Oct 2 that seat negotiations between the two parties for the Melaka election had reached 90% consensus and were in their final phase.
The Election Commission has set Nov 14 as polling day for the 16th Melaka state election, with nomination scheduled for Oct 31.
