BARISAN Nasional (BN) has set its sights on defending all 21 of the 28 Melaka state assembly seats it won in the previous state election as the coalition prepares for the upcoming polls.
BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the commitment was conveyed by Melaka Chief Minister and state BN chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, who expressed his determination to retain all the seats currently held by the coalition.
"Of the 28 seats in Melaka, the Chief Minister, as BN Melaka chairman, informed me that he is determined to defend all 21 seats won," Zahid said.
However, Zahid said BN remained open to discussions and possible understandings with other parties, stressing that any political cooperation would require consultation and agreement among all sides.
"There will certainly be discussions among all parties and, as stated by the Melaka Chief Minister, he is very open. The BN leadership at the federal level will be consulted to become the final decision-maker on any agreement or understanding that may be reached," he said.
He was speaking to reporters after attending the monthly assembly of the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) on Thursday.
Commenting on the momentum generated by BN’s victories in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections, Zahid said the coalition hoped the so-called "blue wave" would spread across the peninsula.
"Starting from Johor spreading to Negeri Sembilan and, God willing, to Melaka, we will see how the country's political landscape develops ahead of the 16th General Election," he said.
He said BN remained committed as a coalition to regaining support from Malaysians who may be seeking a change in their political preferences.
Asked whether the momentum could involve cooperation with Perikatan Nasional (PN), whose colour is also associated with blue, Zahid said any discussions would depend on sincerity and honesty from all parties involved.
"It depends on their sincerity and honesty in any negotiations that will be carried out. We have already determined the seats that we have won. We will not share those seats with any party," he said. - August 6, 2026
