NewzBN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi previously said the BN-PN electoral understanding would be extended to the Melaka state election.PUTRAJAYA: Barisan Nasional (BN) is seeking to defend all 21 seats it currently holds in the upcoming Melaka election, said its chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.However, he said the coalition remains open to an understanding with any party, including Perikatan Nasional (PN), similar to the arrangement made for the Negeri Sembilan polls."Of the 28 state seats in Melaka, the chief minister, who is also Melaka BN chairman Ab Rauf Yusoh, informed me that he is determined to defend all 21 seats."There will certainly be discussions among all parties (including PN)."BN’s central leadership will be consulted and will have the final say on any agreement or understanding reached," he told reporters after attending the rural and regional development ministry's monthly assembly today.Zahid previously said the BN-PN electoral understanding would be extended to the Melaka state election.This was after the coalitions secured a combined 25 seats in the Negeri Sembilan polls.The current term of the Melaka state assembly ends in December, unless it is dissolved earlier. An election must be held within 60 days of dissolution, or by late February at the latest. BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said his coalition is open to an electoral understanding with PN ahead of GE16, but any cooperation will depend on PN’s 'sincerity and honesty'.
PUTRAJAYA: Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has admitted he is unsure whether the coalition’s "blue wave" can extend to Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah in the next general election (GE16). Zahid said the wave could spread across all states during GE16, but stopped short of predicting whether it could gain traction in the three PAS-led states. It will continue from Johor to Negeri Sembilan, and God willing, to Melaka," he said in his speech at the monthly assembly of the rural and regional development ministry.
"I'm not sure whether it will reach Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah. But I will ensure that it also reaches Perlis and other states." Speaking to reporters later, Zahid did not rule out an electoral understanding with Perikatan Nasional (PN) ahead of GE16, saying any cooperation would hinge on PN's "sincerity and honesty" in negotiations. However, he stressed that BN would not give up seats it had already won to other parties.
The recent election in Negeri Sembilan saw the informal electoral alliance between BN and PN winning 25 of the 36 state assembly seats, securing a comfortable two-thirds majority. BN secured 18 seats, while PN won seven. PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang previously said the BN-PN cooperation in Negeri Sembilan would be assessed from time to time, fuelling speculation that the arrangement could be extended to the Melaka election and eventually GE16.
Asked about claims by Wawasan chairman Rais Yatim that outside parties had interfered in the selection of the Negeri Sembilan menteri besar, Zahid described the remarks as reflecting the "senility" of someone who does not understand political realities.He said it was his responsibility as BN chairman to submit the instrument of appointment and recommendations for the menteri besar to the palace.Zahid also dismissed speculation that Pakatan Harapan assemblymen would be appointed to the Negeri Sembilan executive council, saying this would not happen under the BN-led state administration.
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