BARISAN Nasional’s decision to declare that it will defend all 21 seats it won in the 2021 Melaka election has raised questions over the coalition’s sincerity in negotiating seat allocations with its allies, says Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK).
AMK chief Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim said the declaration by BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi suggested that the coalition had already made its decision before negotiations with other parties had even taken place.
"If you say you want to negotiate, then negotiate first. Do not make a decision beforehand. If a decision has already been made and you then invite others to negotiate, it gives the impression that we are not sincere in negotiating.
"There is no political sincerity. You should not impose any conditions before saying you want to negotiate. If we want to negotiate, we must first demonstrate our sincerity in doing so," he said.
Muhammad Kamil, who is also the Political Secretary to the Finance Minister, said this after attending the state-level Kembara Inspirasi Belia Akar Umbi (KIBAR) 2026 programme in Perak here yesterday.
He said AMK Melaka had already been instructed to activate its election machinery in preparation for the state polls, while any decision involving cooperation with other political blocs would be subject to the Pakatan Harapan (PH) leadership in Melaka.
"Discussions with other blocs are not within my knowledge, but we cannot rule out any possibility.
"Whatever the circumstances, we must first prepare our machinery without relying on the weaknesses or strengths of any other party," he said.
Muhammad Kamil also dismissed concerns that Nurul Izzah Anwar’s resignation as PKR deputy president would become a major burden for the party ahead of the Melaka election.
He said statements by the party leadership and Nurul Izzah herself had provided sufficient clarification on the matter, while AMK would continue engaging with grassroots members to explain the situation.
Turning to issues that should shape the coming election, Muhammad Kamil said the greater responsibility for political parties was to address problems directly affecting Malaysians, particularly the rising cost of living, higher prices and inadequate infrastructure.
He also criticised the use of what he described as fear-based political narratives involving the Malays and Islam, saying such issues should not be exploited merely for electoral advantage.
"These are the issues that should be the focus of the people when assessing which leaders they want to choose. Unfortunately, what is happening is the politics of frightening the Malays and Muslims.
"It is not about saving the country, but about gaining a little political advantage and securing political victory. This space should instead be used to offer the people what we intend to provide for them," he said. - August 8, 2026
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