KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional expects to finalise seat negotiations for upcoming state elections in Johor and Negri Sembilan next week, says Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, as political parties step up preparations for the polls.
The Umno secretary-general said discussions among coalition partners were in the final stages.
"We are currently in negotiations on seat allocations for the Johor and Negri Sembilan state elections. God willing, this will be finalised next week," he told reporters after the launch of the Anti-Bullying Tribunal here on Tuesday (June 16).
His remarks came a day after Barisan secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said seat negotiations were progressing smoothly and that he was confident there would be no overlap in claims among component parties.
Johor formally dissolved its state assembly on June 1, followed by Negri Sembilan on June 4.
Asyraf said Barisan had instructed its candidates and campaign machinery to focus on policy proposals rather than personal attacks when campaigning.
He said the Umno supreme council had prohibited campaign materials targeting the characters of political opponents or criticises candidates from other parties, in line with the spirit of the national unity government.
"Campaign materials for the Johor and Negri Sembilan elections will focus on policies and proposals.
"Even the party president has reminded us not to touch on personal matters or expose shortcomings of any individual," he said.
Asked about speculation that Melaka could also dissolve its state assembly in the near future, Asyraf said the decision rested solely with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
