Tok Mat to handle seat negotiations among BN partners for upcoming state elections, says Zahid

KANGAR: Barisan Nasional election director Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has been tasked to handle seat negotiations among coalition partners for the upcoming state elections.

Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Mohamad, who is also the coalition's deputy chairman, would listen to input and requests from coalition partners before deciding on the candidates.

"All the potential candidates for Barisan will be brought up for discussion at the coalition's state and federal levels.

"Last night, we discussed this among the Barisan leadership and I have given the responsibility to Barisan election director Mohamad Hasan.

"He will listen to any input and requests from component parties and God willing, when this is settled at state level, it will then be brought up to the highest coalition leadership for a final decision," he said.

The Umno president said the matter would then be discussed between him and Pakatan Harapan chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

On May 11, MIC president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran was reported saying that the Indian-based party would not demand to be given their traditional seats to contest in the upcoming state elections.

He was reported as saying that MIC, however, would like its members to be given seats they are likely to win so that the party can have representation in the respective state governments.

On Umno's chances in Perikatan Nasional-led states in Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu, Ahmad Zahid believes the voting trend would switch from anti-establishment to pro-establishment.

"Many have shown confidence towards the Malaysia Madani concept, which was initiated by Prime Minister Anwar to achieve inclusive and sustainable economic growth," he said.

Ahmad Zahid was at the Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house hosted by Perlis Umno at Dewan Sivik Arau on Friday (May 12).

Also present were Perlis Umno and Arau division chief Datuk Rozabil Abdul Rahman, state Umno and Pakatan Harapan leaders as well as Umno members.