Pakatan Harapan (PH) will not partner with Barisan Nasional (BN) in the upcoming 16th Melaka state election, said Amanah communications director Khalid Abdul Samad.
He said PH had made its decision and remained open to working with other parties, except BN and Perikatan Nasional (PN).
‘We will not accept any offer to align with BN. If BN wishes to work with PN, that is their right and entirely up to them.
‘As for PH, we will contest based on the principles we uphold,’ he said when contacted today.
PH election director Amirudin Shari had previously called on BN to clarify its position on potential cooperation for the Melaka polls following a lack of progress in discussions between the two sides.
PH open to other parties
Senior PH and Bersatu leaders met at a closed-door event in Melaka last night, in what was believed to be a discussion on electoral cooperation for the state polls.
At the same time, BN is expected to meet several party coalitions this week to negotiate a political understanding for the election.
On possible cooperation between PH and Bersatu, Khalid, a former Federal Territories minister, said Bersatu must understand PH’s principles, which emphasise performance, integrity and values.
‘When forming a pre-election alignment, these are the matters we discuss. We have options and can lay down necessary conditions and assertions.
‘If they agree, we can work with Bersatu, Muda and other parties not aligned with BN and PN.
‘However, post-election scenarios may differ if no coalition reaches a majority, forcing a joint pact,’ he said.
PH seat negotiations completed
On seat allocations for the Melaka election, Khalid said negotiations among PH component parties had been completed.
He said the details would be announced once the Election Commission sets the election date.
‘If new partners join, they will negotiate directly with the designated component party contesting those respective seats,’ he said.
