BARISAN Nasional (BN) has empowered its Melaka chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh to begin negotiations with any political coalition or party interested in cooperating with the coalition for the state election following the dissolution of the Melaka Legislative Assembly.
Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also UMNO president, said Ab Rauf and officials from the Melaka BN office would conduct the discussions, with the outcome to be submitted to the BN and UMNO leadership at the central level for a final decision.
“We will hold discussions with any coalition or political party that wants to establish cooperation with BN Melaka,” he told reporters after attending the 2026 Central Zone Polytechnic and Community College Convocation at Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI) in Tanjung Malim today.
He said the mandate had been given to Ab Rauf to conduct the negotiations, while the final decision would rest with the central leadership.
“As I stated previously, I have given the mandate to the Melaka BN chairman, together with officials from the office, to conduct discussions and negotiations.
“I, together with my colleagues in the BN Supreme Council and UMNO leadership, will make the final decision after the discussions and negotiations conducted by the Melaka BN chairman,” he said.
The move comes after the Melaka State Legislative Assembly was dissolved yesterday, triggering the process for the state election.
BN had previously said it was open to cooperation with any party, while Ab Rauf said formal discussions should be conducted through official channels rather than social media. ([BERNAMA][2])
The 28-seat assembly was won by BN with 21 seats in the 2021 state election, while Pakatan Harapan secured five seats and Perikatan Nasional two. - September 24, 2026
