MELAKA: Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional will form the next Melaka government after unofficially winning 24 of the 28 state seats in the 16th state election, says Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Barisan chairman said the result gave the two coalitions a mandate of more than two-thirds in the state assembly.
“With this, Barisan and Perikatan will form the Melaka state government,” he told a press conference at the Barisan command centre at MITC in Ayer Keroh on Saturday (Nov 14).
Ahmad Zahid thanked Melaka voters for the trust placed in Barisan and what he described as its new strategic partner.
He said the result continued the “blue wave” that began in Johor and was followed by Negri Sembilan.
“This mandate of more than two-thirds proves that the people of Melaka continue to choose the track record, stability and development direction offered by Barisan and Perikatan over the rhetoric played up during the campaign,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid, who called the result a hat-trick, said it was no reason to gloat.
“We accept it with gratitude and humility. We are aware that this mandate carries a big responsibility to fulfil every manifesto pledge and to give the best service to all Melaka folk, regardless of religion, race or background,” he said.
He said the state election again showed that the political understanding between the two coalitions was being accepted by the people.
“The spirit of togetherness between Barisan and Perikatan throughout this state election will continue to be strengthened to form a more stable and credible state government,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid congratulated Melaka Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, the leaders of both coalitions and all winning candidates.
He also thanked Friends of Barisan, the Melaka machinery, party workers from other states, NGOs and volunteers.
He recorded his appreciation to the Election Commission, the police and all personnel on duty for the smooth running of the polls.
Ahmad Zahid urged Melaka folk to put the contest behind them.
“Let bygones be bygones. Let us unite the hearts of Melaka regardless of political background,” he said.
He hoped the win would spur Barisan to close ranks, fend off slander from its opponents and continue to champion the people’s interests.
“May this blue wave continue to spread throughout the country,” he said.
