BARISAN Nasional (BN) in Melaka is considering a "BN Plus" formula ahead of the next state election, following the coalition's successful electoral understanding with Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the Negeri Sembilan state election.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, who is also Melaka BN chairman, said the approach reflected the coalition's willingness to engage in discussions with any political party, although such negotiations should not be interpreted as signalling a formal alliance or political agreement.
He stressed that BN Melaka remained independent and was not bound by any political cooperation that had yet to be officially finalised.
“We are prepared for any form of cooperation that we call BN Plus. Anyone is welcome to come and hold discussions, but negotiations do not necessarily end with an agreement or understanding.
“It depends on the strengths that each party brings. Therefore, we are not tied to any arrangement that has yet to be officially finalised as a coalition.
“I am open to meeting and holding discussions with anyone. If I meet any individual or party, people should not jump to conclusions because it is our right as a state to place the interests of our party first,” he told reporters after leading the Chief Minister's Sayang Rakyat tour programme at the Telok Mas state constituency on Sunday.
The remarks came a day after BN and PN secured a two-thirds majority in the Negeri Sembilan state election, enabling the two coalitions to form the new state government.
BN won 18 of the 36 state seats contested, while PN secured seven seats.
Ab Rauf, who is also Melaka UMNO liaison chairman, said BN's victories in both Johor and Negeri Sembilan had strengthened the party's confidence and would serve as a morale boost for its machinery ahead of the next Melaka state election.
Although the date for the Melaka polls has yet to be announced, he said the recent electoral successes provided positive momentum that BN hoped to translate into stronger public support in the state.
He added that BN would continue assessing the evolving political landscape, including any proposals for political cooperation, provided such arrangements strengthened the coalition's position in Melaka.
“We have seen what happened in Johor and then in Negeri Sembilan yesterday. Naturally, those victories will inspire us as we prepare for the next Melaka state election.
“As we say in Melaka, ‘Two or three cats may run, but none can match the striped cat.’ BN has already won in two states, so why shouldn't Melaka seize the same opportunity?” he said. - August 2, 2026
