Barisan Nasional (BN) is gearing up for the Melaka state election scheduled for next year, considering all scenarios including contesting solo if no political alliance is forged with Pakatan Harapan (PH) at the state level.
BN Deputy Chairman, Mohamad Hasan, said preparations must be comprehensive and realistic, guided by strategies that provide an advantage to the coalition — especially in securing voter support.
“An election is like a battlefield. We must be fully prepared with well-planned strategies.
“If a partnership with PH benefits us, we will proceed. If going solo is more advantageous, then we will not hesitate to act independently. As of now, we are still in the process of evaluation,” he said after officiating the Kota Melaka UMNO Division Delegates’ Meeting in Telok Mas, today.
Also present were Kota Melaka UMNO Division Chief Abd Razak Abd Rahman, and State UMNO Liaison Secretary Senator Mustafa Musa.
Mohamad, who is also the Foreign Minister, emphasized that electoral approaches cannot be standardized across all states, as political landscapes and dynamics differ from state to state.
“The formula in Melaka will not be the same as in Johor, Kelantan, Kedah, or Sabah. In Sabah, for example, we have announced cooperation with PH and selected local parties that we believe can strengthen our position.
“There is no one-size-fits-all strategy. We are studying all variables before finalizing our approach.”
Previously, the media reported tensions over seat distribution between BN and PH in Melaka, following a resolution passed by the state DAP supporting a “14 BN + 14 PH” strategy for the upcoming election.
In response, UMNO Youth Chief Muhamad Akmal Saleh warned PH Melaka not to expect to contest seats currently held by BN, stating that BN — which dominates the state assembly — will not relinquish its positions.
Melaka currently has 28 state constituencies (DUN), with BN holding 21, PH five, and Perikatan Nasional two.
The current term of the Melaka State Legislative Assembly is set to expire in November 2026.
