PAKATAN Harapan is preparing to explore a possible electoral pact with Barisan Nasional in Melaka, with election director Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari due to meet coalition chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim tomorrow to chart the way forward.
The discussions could pave the way for negotiations over seat allocations and possible seat swaps between the two partners in the Federal Government ahead of the Melaka state election.
Amirudin, who is also Selangor Menteri Besar, said he had yet to meet Melaka BN chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh but expected discussions to move forward after his meeting with Anwar.
“Tomorrow, I have a meeting with Datuk Seri Anwar to look into this matter. If necessary, I will proceed with it in the near future.
“I suggest within one or two weeks because we still have sufficient time,” he told reporters after launching the Karnival Cinta Masjid at Masjid Al-Khairiyah in Taman Seri Gombak.
However, Amirudin stressed that PH and BN had yet to make any formal or strategic decision on cooperation.
“What is important to note is that at this stage, there have only been statements from both sides.
“Nothing has been decided strategically or conclusively,” he said.
He said he was acting on Anwar’s instructions and would announce any significant developments once decisions had been reached.
Amirudin added that formal discussions were unlikely to begin before the National Day celebrations on Aug 31.
“The earliest would be after the National Day celebrations, if there is a need to hold such meetings or discussions,” he said.
The potential cooperation is significant given the two coalitions’ competing interests in Melaka, where BN won 21 of the 28 seats in the 2021 state election, compared with five won by PH and two by Perikatan Nasional.
PH assemblymen were subsequently appointed to the state executive council as part of the broader unity government arrangement between PH and BN at federal level.
That relationship came under strain in July when Melaka PH withdrew its support for the state government following objections to a constitutional amendment allowing the appointment of up to seven non-elected assemblymen.
The latest discussions could therefore determine whether PH and BN seek to avoid direct contests in selected constituencies, potentially strengthening their combined position against PN.
Anwar said last Thursday that the PH election committee would examine the possibility of cooperation with BN in the Melaka polls. The committee is headed by Amirudin and PH secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Saifuddin has also indicated that he could meet Ab Rauf to discuss possible cooperation after the latter returns from a working visit to New Zealand.
BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has meanwhile said the coalition remains open to negotiations on seat allocations, including possible exchanges, provided discussions are conducted honestly and in good faith.
The Melaka state election must be held by the end of February 2027, while the current state assembly’s term expires on Dec 30. - August 22, 2026
