ELECTORAL uncertainty in Melaka has deepened after Pakatan Harapan (PH) declared its readiness to contest the upcoming state election independently, following a lack of formal progress on an electoral pact with Barisan Nasional (BN).
The development comes as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim moved to counter persistent speculation regarding internal strife within the federal unity government.
PH election director Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari revealed that the coalition has received no official communication or structured framework concerning seat distribution or electoral cooperation from BN.
Amirudin said that discussions with Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh—who also chairs Melaka BN—have been limited to informal online exchanges, noting that formal talks have yet to take place.
“As of today, there is nothing official yet. If there is cooperation, we proceed with it. If not, we will see whether we face each other or not. This matter was raised, and they expressed readiness to discuss. We agreed to talk, but no specific date or time has been set,” Amirudin said today on the sidelines of the NCT Smart Industrial City in Sepang on Tuesday.
The comments follow public hints dropped by Ab Rauf during a community event in Sungai Udang recently where he suggested that the dissolution of the Melaka State Legislative Assembly could be announced within two Fridays.
Amirudin urged caution regarding the timeline, noting that predictions remain speculative as the constitutional prerogative to dissolve the assembly rests solely with the Melaka Yang di-Pertua Negeri acting on the advice of the Chief Minister.
With election machinery accelerating across the state, Amirudin emphasised that political entities must remain prepared to test their mandate independently.
“How many Fridays does two Fridays mean? If one Friday has passed, then it becomes three Fridays.
“We shall see, as these are all hints. Regardless, it is his prerogative as Chief Minister, subject to the approval of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri. The worst-case scenario would be not contesting at all, as a political party loses its core purpose if it opts out of polls, Amirudin said.
Concurrently, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim dismissed reports and social media speculation suggesting growing strain within the Cabinet over electoral strategies and institutional reform deadlines.
Speaking at an assembly with staff from the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities in Putrajaya earlier, Anwar reaffirmed that ministerial collaboration remains robust, providing the foundation for national political and economic stability.
“We cannot deny that our performance is commendable due to clear policies, political stability, and existing cooperation within the Cabinet—even though things sometimes appear slightly different on social media.
“Generally, we cooperate well, which reflects stability and enables us to plan effectively for the country.”
Anwar cautioned against complacency, urging the civil service and political leadership to leverage political stability to execute planned policies and deliver key structural reforms for the nation. - September 8, 2026
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