Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin says political parties within the Ikatan Prihatin Rakyat (IPR) alliance will be allowed to contest in the upcoming Melaka state election under the Perikatan Nasional (PN) banner.
He said parties interested in contesting specific constituencies could negotiate through a committee established at the PN level to determine seat allocations.
“There is no issue. We can work together and we are confident that with their participation alongside PN and Bersatu, we can achieve even greater success in the coming election,” he said at the launch of Bersatu’s election machinery for the Melaka state election at Dataran Baitul Tariq in Klebang.
Muhyiddin also said Bersatu and PN intend to contest all 28 state seats in Melaka.
Opposition alliance seeks broader cooperation
IPR, led by Muhyiddin, consists of 11 opposition parties, including PAS, Bersatu, Gerakan, Muda, Berjasa, Pejuang and Putra.
The coalition also includes the Malaysian Advancement Party, Malaysian Indian People’s Party, National Indian Muslim Alliance Party (Iman) and Urimai.
However, questions have emerged over PAS’ continued involvement in IPR following the party’s absence from several recent coalition meetings.
Despite this, Muhyiddin expressed confidence that cooperation among opposition parties could strengthen their electoral prospects in the Melaka state election.
Long-term development plan proposed for Melaka
Muhyiddin said Melaka should have a comprehensive blueprint to guide development over the next 10 to 15 years, particularly in areas such as employment, economic growth and education.
He said the tourism industry should be further expanded to stimulate economic activity and generate more employment opportunities for residents.
At the same time, he stressed the importance of equipping young people with vocational skills that could help them secure higher-paying jobs.
“Elect us, and we will call experts and representatives of residents to help plan Melaka’s future for the next 10 to 15 years,” he said.
State election expected within months
The current term of the Melaka state legislative assembly will expire in December, requiring the 16th state election to be held no later than February 2027.
However, Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh has indicated that the state election is expected to take place sometime this year.
Political parties have already begun preparations as speculation grows over the timing of the polls.
