Barisan Nasional (BN) remains open to negotiations with Pakatan Harapan (PH over a possible pact for the Melaka state election, despite a PH leader saying the coalition would not work with BN.
Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said PH could not be forced to agree to an alliance, but BN’s doors remained open to all parties for the state election.
‘If they don’t want to cooperate with us, that’s their right. We can’t force them. But our doors are always open,’ he told reporters on the sidelines of an event.
Asyraf said BN was also in discussions with potential allies, but no formal alliance had been formed.
‘So let’s wait. The Election Commission hasn’t even announced the dates for the state election.’
PH rules out cooperation with BN
Amanah communications director Khalid Samad said on Monday that PH would not join forces with BN for the Melaka polls.
He said PH was open to working with any party except BN and Perikatan Nasional (PN).
‘We will not accept an offer to work with BN. If BN wants to work with PN, that is their right and it is up to them,’ Khalid said, according to Berita Harian.
‘As for PH, we will contest based on the principles we stand for,’ he said.
His remarks came after PH and Bersatu leaders were seen attending a closed-door meeting in Melaka.
PH communications director Fahmi Fadzil, however, said the coalition had yet to begin official talks with Bersatu on an alliance for the state election. He said the PH presidential council would make the final decision on political cooperation.
BN weighs possible alliances
BN has previously said it remains open to cooperation with other parties ahead of the Melaka election.
On Sept 26, BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the coalition would begin separate discussions with two groups on possible cooperation, with Melaka BN chairman Ab Rauf Yusoh and Asyraf representing BN in the talks.
The Melaka state assembly was dissolved on Sept 23, paving the way for the state election.
In the 2021 election, BN won 21 of the 28 seats, while PH won five and PN secured two.
Asyraf’s latest remarks indicate that, despite PH’s current position, BN has not closed the door to further discussions on possible cooperation.
