Kuala lumpur: Barisan Nasional (BN) remains open to negotiations on seat allocations for the Melaka State Election, including seat swaps, provided they are conducted honestly and in good faith, stated BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the fundamental principle of these negotiations is that seats won by any party must be respected and should not be simply relinquished to political partners.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid highlighted that Melaka Chief Minister and Melaka BN chairman, Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, underscored the importance of respecting the position of any party that has secured a seat during the negotiations. However, he noted that negotiations could potentially include 'swap' or exchange of seats, as long as the number of seats remains unchanged.

Ahmad Zahid further explained that seat swaps could also be discussed concerning other states controlled by the respective parties, provided the exchanges are executed in a balanced manner. He stressed that while the door to negotiations remains open, it is crucial not to open it too wide or close it completely, maintaining a pragmatic approach to the discussions.