Kuala lumpur: Barisan Nasional (BN) needs a formula suitable to Melaka's geopolitical landscape in the upcoming state election, said its chairman, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the formula does not necessarily have to follow the models used in previous state elections in Johor and Negeri Sembilan, where BN achieved significant victories.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid highlighted that any negotiations must consider both the benefits and drawbacks. "We must ensure the benefits gained far outweigh any potential drawbacks. Any negotiations with any party or coalition must look at these aspects. We must be honest, sincere, and honor the promises we make, not do the opposite after an agreement has been reached," he stated during a press conference following the closing ceremony of the Negeri Sembilan Contingent Charity Ride program with the Ipoh Super Bike Club (ISBC). The event was held in conjunction with the 219th Police Day and 69th Merdeka Eve celebrations at the Kuala Lumpur Police Contingent Headquarters.
Ahmad Zahid has delegated the responsibility to Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, who is also the Melaka BN chairman, to conduct negotiations. The outcomes of these discussions will be presented at the national level for further scrutiny and finalization. He underscored that political cooperation at the state level should be viewed in the context of strengthening political stability at the national level.
He further noted that, at the national level, cooperation between parties is not only expressed through Cabinet meetings but is also reinforced through coordination between ministries and a whole-of-government approach. This ensures that national interests and political stability are upheld.
The mandate of the Melaka state government is set to expire on December 31. BN formed the state government after securing 21 of the 28 seats in the 15th Melaka state election, with Pakatan Harapan (PH) winning five seats and Perikatan Nasional (PN) securing two. Despite this, the state executive council includes PH assemblymen, reflecting the composition of the Unity Government at the federal level.