Barisan Nasional (BN) is open to working with any political party under a BN Plus formula for the upcoming Melaka state election, Melaka BN chairman and Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh said.
Rauf said BN welcomed discussions with any party interested in cooperating for the state polls.
‘Anyone is welcome to come and negotiate, but negotiations do not necessarily end with an agreement because everything depends on each party’s respective strengths.
‘So, we are not bound by any arrangement that has yet to be formally established as a final coalition, but I am open to everyone who wishes to negotiate with me,’ he said after attending an event today.
Negeri Sembilan cooperation seen as positive sign
Rauf’s remarks came after BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the successful cooperation between BN and Perikatan Nasional in forming the Negeri Sembilan state government would encourage both coalitions to maintain their winning momentum in the upcoming Melaka election.
Rauf did not comment further on any specific partnership but reiterated that discussions remained open to all interested parties.
Congratulations to new menteri besar
Rauf also congratulated Juasseh assemblyman Ismail Lasim on his appointment as the new Negeri Sembilan menteri besar.
He expressed hope that Ismail would carry out his responsibilities effectively and fulfil the commitments made in the election manifesto.
In the Negeri Sembilan state election, Ismail retained the Juasseh seat with a majority of 4,091 votes after securing 6,907 votes. He defeated Pakatan Harapan candidate Aidil Abdullah, who received 2,816 votes, and Bersatu candidate Zuhaimi Yusof, who polled 506 votes.
The election saw BN win 18 state seats, while Perikatan Nasional secured seven, allowing the two coalitions to form the new Negeri Sembilan state government.
