BN to discuss possible electoral pacts for Melaka polls
MELAKA: Barisan Nasional will hold talks separately with two political groups next week on possible electoral alliances for the upcoming Melaka state polls, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Barisan chairman confirmed the meetings but declined to identify the parties involved.
“Barisan’s headquarters has arranged two separate meetings next week involving two different groups.
“They will be held on different dates,” he told reporters after opening the national discourse, Unravelling the Malay Peninsula Polemic, here yesterday.
Asked which group Barisan would be most likely to cooperate with, he said no decision had been made and the coalition would carefully weigh the benefits and risks of each option.
“The matter will be studied in detail, and we must weigh the potential drawbacks against the benefits.
“As a political coalition, Barisan must consider the medium- and long-term benefits to the country, particularly to the parties within our coalition,” he said.
Asked whether Barisan would negotiate directly with PAS owing to Perikatan Nasional’s registration issue with the Registrar of Societies, Ahmad Zahid said he would leave the matter to the Umno secretary-general and Perikatan chairman.
“However, we would be more comfortable if an individual party is stable rather than dealing with a coalition that has fallen apart,” he added.
Earlier in his speech, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Umno president, said differences of opinion, including those in politics, must be managed maturely to preserve the country’s harmony and stability.
“Differences must not prevent us from reaching a consensus on matters concerning religion, race and the nation,” he added.
He said efforts to unite the Malay-Muslim community must continue despite differences in political affiliation.
“Such consensus must be anchored in the Federal Constitution and respect the rights of all citizens,” he added.
Ahmad Zahid also cautioned that political differences should not erode respect for the royal institution.
He said political convictions should guide the people in understanding the monarchy, customs and state constitutions.
“The position and responsibilities of each institution must be properly understood before any dispute arises,” he added.
He said respect for the Federal Constitution must be upheld even when a decision did not meet the expectations of certain parties.
