MELAKA: The pact between Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional for the Melaka polls is a step towards a national tie-up, says Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
"I am instructing all Umno machinery and the machinery within Barisan, including MCA and MIC, to move together with Perikatan to ensure N19 (Kesidang) returns to Muafakat Melaka on the 14th of this month," he said during a visit to Perikatan's Kesidang operations centre on Sunday (Nov 8).
The Melaka Barisan chief, who is also caretaker Chief Minister, said Perikatan candidate Albert Kok grew up in the area and would give residents the best service.
He said Muafakat Melaka would move towards a Muafakat Malaysia, which he said is a "new kind of politics."
"The two biggest parties in Malaysia are joining forces and bringing their partners along.
"Barisan brings our partners MIC, MCA and PBRS from Sabah. Perikatan will bring all its partners and we combine into one strong force to move towards Putrajaya," he said.
Barisan last won Kesidang in 2004.
"A win in Kesidang will be a very big signal that the movement in Melaka will open a better path to Putrajaya," he said.
Kok faces incumbent Allex Seah Shoo Chin of Pakatan Harapan and Bersama's Dr Bryan Kek in a three-cornered fight.
In 2021, Seah won with 14,769 votes against 4,532 for Barisan and 3,124 for Perikatan.
Polling is on Nov 14.
