MELAKA: Barisan Nasional is keeping the door open to cooperation with other parties if it serves the interests of Melaka and its people, says Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
The Melaka Chief Minister said Barisan would weigh the benefits of any such arrangement against its potential drawbacks, with the people's welfare guiding its decision.
"If the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, we can consider and accept it," he said after being sworn in as Melaka's 13th Chief Minister for a second term on Sunday (Nov 15).
Asked if Perikatan Nasional representatives would be appointed to the state executive council, Ab Rauf said he was making his assessment.
"That depends on my consideration. Certainly, every victory will bear fruit and the harvest will come," he said.
This follows Barisan chairman and Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's earlier call for Perikatan representatives to be included in the Melaka state executive council if Barisan managed to form the government.
Barisan and Perikatan secured a combined 24 of 28 state seats in Saturday's Melaka polls, which exceeds a two-thirds majority. Barisan won 21 seats, while Perikatan took three.
Pakatan Harapan won four seats.
