Perikatan Nasional (PN) will negotiate with Barisan Nasional (BN) on the Melaka state election without involving Bersatu, said PN secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan.
He said the negotiations had yet to begin, but PN had agreed in principle to hold discussions with BN in the near future.
“Negotiations have not started yet, but in principle, we agree to hold discussions and will do so soon,” he said, according to Berita Harian, after the PAS 72nd Annual Muktamar Committee meeting in Kota Bharu last night.
Melaka seat negotiations to take state dynamics into account
Takiyuddin said the negotiations in Melaka might not follow the same approach as those in Negeri Sembilan, as the political landscape and seat distribution differed from state to state.
“For example, we do not have any seats in the state assembly, but we have parliamentary seats in Melaka,” he said.
He added that these factors would form part of the discussions, including whether BN wanted to retain 20 or 21 seats.
The status of the Rembia state seat would also be discussed, following the move by its incumbent assemblyman to join PAS.
Takiyuddin unaware of PH-BN talks
Takiyuddin said he had no information on reports that Pakatan Harapan (PH) had already held informal discussions with BN Melaka over possible cooperation in the state election.
“I have no information and this issue has not arisen yet. We do not know whether it is true or not. That should be asked of Umno. If Umno says it is true, then we will consider it later. It could also just be a political gimmick,” he said.
PH communications director Fahmi Fadzil was reported to have said yesterday that the coalition had held several rounds of talks with BN on possible cooperation for the Melaka state election.
He said PKR Melaka chief Adam Adli Abd Halim had directly contacted Melaka BN chairman Ab Rauf Yusoh to discuss seat negotiations for the election.
PN ready to explain position to registrar
On the dispute over Bersatu’s position in PN, Takiyuddin said Bersatu had the right to lodge any complaint with the Registrar of Societies (JPPM), while PN was prepared to provide an explanation if called upon.
His remarks followed a claim by Bersatu information chief Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz that PAS was using PN at will for its political interests, including allegedly denying the rights of component parties through unilateral actions and violating the PN constitution.
“PAS is a member of PN and, of course, will make use of PN for the parties in the coalition,” Takiyuddin said.
Last Friday, PAS president Hadi Awang was reported to have claimed that Bersatu had automatically ceased to be part of PN after announcing the formation of a new coalition.
However, PN chairman Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said yesterday that Bersatu remained a component of the coalition.
