KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional and Umno will not blindly enter into an electoral pact with Perikatan Nasional for the Melaka election, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Barisan chairman and Umno president said grassroots sentiment would be the top priority when deciding if the coalition, especially Umno, should have an understanding with any party.
He said the final decision will be made by Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, who is the state Barisan and Umno chief.
“The decision will also be prioritised by the Umno and Barisan central leadership. Grassroots sentiment is mixed, and we are conducting a detailed study on it.
“We should not enter a situation where the fish cannot survive, or tie up a fish only to be left with its bones,” he told reporters after officiating the World Islamic Tourism and Trade Expo (Witex) and World Arts and Culture Festival here yesterday.
In the Johor and Negri Sembilan polls, Barisan and Perikatan struck an understanding with Umno and PAS working together.
Both coalitions shifted from open rivalry to a strategic, informal vote-sharing arrangement aimed at maximising Malay-Muslim political dominance.
On Friday, PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang said Perikatan was currently holding seat negotiations with Barisan for the Melaka polls but said it was ready to walk away if Barisan decided to partner with Pakatan Harapan.
Earlier in his speech, Ahmad Zahid, who is Deputy Prime Minister, said the people should trust the “blue wave” to lead the nation to one of shared prosperity.
“Our responsibility now is to translate the trust into a stronger partnership and greater opportunities,” he added.
On tourism, he said the global Muslim travel market was entering a remarkable new era.
Last year, he said international Muslim arrivals reached 196 million and by 2030, it was projected to reach 262 million with travel expenditure estimated at US$310bil.
“Malaysia’s next ambition must be bigger than remaining the world’s leading Muslim-friendly destination.
“We must become a global hub where tourism, halal innovation, trade, technology, and local enterprise connect naturally,” he added.
Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia must step up its game and encourage innovation that responds specifically to the needs of the Muslim travel market.
“From digital discovery and halal assurance to payments, mobility and personalised travel experiences. At the same time, no technology can replace the people who ultimately deliver the experience,” he added.
He said tourism segment for Muslim travellers was growing and Malaysia should offer a wide range of products related to their interests and desire throughout the year and not just during specific periods.
