SHAH ALAM: Barisan Nasional has almost completed discussions with a "rival party" for cooperation at the upcoming Melaka polls, says Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Barisan chairman did not name the party involved but added that the coalition is still open to working with Pakatan Harapan.
"We will now wait for the Election Commission to decide the date of the election and then finalise who we will cooperate with.
"On the ground, Barisan and the rival parties we choose to cooperate with will move together to create the 'blue wave'," he said.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Umno president, said he had no objection if PAS were to use the Barisan logo in the Melaka polls.
"The issue has not yet been officially discussed, although I am sure PAS would be more comfortable using their own logo. However, that is their internal party decision," he said after officiating a seminar on "Islamic scholars" at Universiti Teknologi Mara here on Sunday (Oct 4).
The event was also attended by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Kadir and Mara chairman Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, as well as the university's top management.
Ahmad Zahid, however, did not confirm whether Barisan had an understanding to work with PAS in the Melaka polls.
On Saturday (Oct 3), Melaka caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the Barisan leadership would decide if PAS could contest the Melaka polls using the coalition logo.
PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang said on Oct 2 that discussions with Barisan on cooperation for Melaka state elections and the use of its symbol were ongoing.
He said PAS was open to contesting under either its own symbol or Barisan's, depending on the outcome of the talks.
On Sept 23, the Registrar of Societies confirmed that all Perikatan Nasional activities had been suspended with immediate effect under Subsection 13(2A) of the Societies Act 1966, following a notice issued on Sept 22.
