BEIJING: Barisan Nasional will leave it to Perikatan Nasional’s component parties to discuss among themselves the allocation of seven seats in the Melaka election, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Barisan chairman said the coalition was holding talks with Perikatan’s core parties following the latter’s suspension of activities.
Ahmad Zahid said that his coalition had made it clear that it has no intention to give up the seats that it currently holds.
“Our principle is that the 21 seats we won are not seats that we intend to share.
“If there is any to be shared, it may involve seat swaps, but those 21 seats will remain ours.
“Any negotiations will concern the seven remaining seats that are not held by Barisan.
“It will be up to the other parties to decide how they distribute those seats among themselves,” he told reporters.
On cooperation with Pakatan Harapan, Ahmad Zahid said based on statements by its national and state leaders, the coalition appeared to have lost interest in working with Barisan.
“We respect that position.”
State Barisan chief Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh had been entrusted with making the final decision on the coalition’s electoral cooperation, he added.
On Oct 13, Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki had said that Barisan is in the final stages of seat negotiations for the Melaka polls.
The Election Commission has fixed Nov 14 as polling day for the 16th Melaka election, with nominations to take place on Oct 31.
In the last state polls held in November 2021, Barisan won 21 seats, Pakatan took five seats while Perikatan won two seats.
