BARISAN Nasional (BN) in Melaka has deferred its scheduled negotiations with political parties to determine strategic allies for the upcoming Melaka State Election until next week.
Melaka BN Chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh stated that the postponement was necessary to secure a more suitable date and assured that the matter would be resolved in the near future.
He explained that the outcome of these negotiations would be processed through internal party channels before a final decision is determined by the UMNO Supreme Council.
“The negotiations are not cancelled, but rather deferred to a more suitable date. UMNO Secretary-General Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki has already issued an official statement indicating that invitations will be extended to any party willing to negotiate with Melaka BN. God willing, this will be resolved in the near future,” he said after chairing the Melaka UMNO Liaison Committee meeting at Seri Bendahara on Wednesday.
The delay follows statements made last Saturday by BN Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who confirmed that BN headquarters had scheduled two separate meetings with different political groups this week to discuss electoral pacts for the state poll.
Commenting on the criteria for potential partnerships, Ab Rauf noted that evaluations will centre on whether a coalition yields greater benefits or drawbacks for the party.
“So, I am not leaning towards any specific coalition to become a strategic partner, but ultimately it will come down to an in-depth evaluation and study. Therefore, the decision will be made by the UMNO Supreme Council,” he said.
Addressing the stance taken by Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) — after its Communications Director Khalid Samad reportedly declared that Pakatan Harapan (PH) would reject any cooperation offer from BN for the Melaka election — Ab Rauf asserted that every party retains its democratic right.
“That is the right of each individual party. But we maintain this openness to celebrate democracy on Malaysia’s democratic stage as promised. It is anyone’s right to join or not to join. If we invite them and they do not wish to come, that is fine. If they accept our invitation, we negotiate,” Ab Rauf noted.
He added that initial statements from individual coalition leaders do not serve as a benchmark, emphasising that formal decisions depend entirely on the PH Presidential Council.
“I do not take that as a benchmark because what matters is the decision of the PH Presidential Council. If the Presidential Council says no, that is fine.
“We do not want to be accused of pushing ourselves on someone who does not want us. But I accept the explanation regarding the invitation made by the Secretary-General without prejudice. We will wait after this official invitation is made to see whether these discussions can take place or whether the decision to come together can proceed or not. It is up to any party to join us,” he added. - October 1, 2026
