KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional’s top leadership will decide which parties the coalition will work with in the Melaka election, says its chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic).
The Umno president said he would not use his authority as coalition leader to unilaterally decide which parties or groups to cooperate with.
ALSO READ: Melaka youths seek credible leaders for better future
Instead, he said the matter would be brought before the Barisan supreme council for a collective decision.
"Negotiations on candidates and election strategy will be decided through a proper party and coalition processes," he said when officiating at the Malaysian Makkal Sakti Party's 18th general assembly here on Sunday (Sept 27).
"I do not want to use my authority as Barisan chairman to make a decision on my own on who we should work with, which groups we should work with, or which parties we should bring into cooperation."
Ahmad Zahid said whatever decision was made, Barisan would continue to honour its commitments at the Federal level while respecting the political developments and circumstances at the state level.
The Melaka legislative assembly was dissolved on Wednesday (Sept 23), paving the way for the state election.
In the 2021 state election, Barisan Nasional won 21 of the 28 seats. Umno won 18, MCA two, and MIC one.
Pakatan Harapan won five and Perikatan Nasional, two.
