MELAKA: Negotiations between Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional on seat distribution and election strategy for Melaka should begin soon to ensure both coalitions are fully prepared for the coming state polls.
Melaka PKR Secretary Mohd Khuzaire Mohd Kamal said early discussions were crucial to ensure that talks are fair and grounded when it comes to shared responsibility among parties in the state unity government.
"The recent proposal by Melaka PKR chairman Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin wasn't intended to favour any particular side, but to build mutual understanding and strengthen Pakatan and Barisan's cooperation.
“Early communication and planning will allow both parties to coordinate their strategies and election machinery more effectively," he said in an interview on Monday (Nov 3).
Mohd Khuzaire said such negotiations should be seen as evidence of political maturity and respect among coalition partners.
“It may be difficult for some to appreciate this approach, especially those who prefer politics driven by emotion rather than reason but politics today requires prudence and foresight,” he said.
He added that all component parties within the unity government should be given space to discuss and share their views openly and constructively.
“The process must begin without delay and continue steadily so that each party's leadership can prepare in an organised and professional way.
"Only through cooperation, willingness to negotiate and mutual understanding can the unity government maintain political stability and protect the people’s well-being,” he said.
On Sunday (Nov 2), it was reported that Shamsul Iskandar urged Pakatan and Barisan to begin election strategy talks once the Sabah state election concludes.
He said seat allocation discussions should not be postponed as the state legislative assembly will dissolve automatically on December 26, next year.
The proposal drew disapproval from Umno Youth Chief Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh, who said only two constituencies, Bemban and Sungai Udang, should be open for negotiation if they decide to cooperate in the coming polls.
Bemban and Sungai Udang are seats currently held by Perikatan Nasional.
Dr Akmal, who is also the Merlimau assemblyman and a Melaka executive councillor, said his view was based on the principle that incumbent parties should defend the seats they had previously won.
The state currently has 28 constituencies. In the 2021 election, Barisan Nasional secured 21 seats, Pakatan Harapan won five and Perikatan Nasional captured two.
One Umno assemblyman later joined PAS before the state’s anti-party hopping law came into force.
