Wawasan president Hamzah Zainudin has called on Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) to adopt a spirit of compromise when negotiating seat allocations for the upcoming Melaka state election.
He said the coalition leaders would need to sit down together and reach an understanding if they wanted to continue the “blue wave” that began in Johor.
“If we are really to cooperate and continue the blue wave that began in Johor, all those involved must practise compromise,” he said after the party’s extraordinary general meeting tonight.
Hamzah responds to BN’s 21-seat stand
Hamzah was responding to BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s statement yesterday that BN intended to defend all 21 seats it currently holds in the Melaka state assembly.
However, Zahid also said BN remained open to reaching an understanding with any party, including those in PN, similar to the arrangement reached for the Negeri Sembilan state election.
Hamzah said all parties involved should look beyond Melaka and consider the bigger picture, including other states that are also due to hold their respective elections.
“The public interest is our greater priority. We do not want our approach towards each other to change after we win and take power. That is most important,” he said.
Wawasan eyes Bemban and Sungai Udang
Hamzah also said Wawasan was interested in contesting the Bemban and Sungai Udang seats.
He claimed the incumbents had expressed their support for his party and should therefore be given the opportunity to defend their respective seats.
At the same time, Hamzah dismissed claims of a rift between BN and PN, describing them as attempts by certain quarters to drive a wedge between the two coalitions.
“We just had our representatives sworn in as executive councillors in Negeri Sembilan today. How can anyone claim there is a rift between us?” he asked.
