PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang believes political negotiations ahead of the Melaka state election will be less complicated than those faced during the Johor polls, citing what he described as encouraging sentiment at the grassroots level.
Speaking after delivering a duha lecture at Masjid Rusila on Friday, Abdul Hadi said PAS was optimistic about the prospects for political cooperation in Melaka.
“God willing, it can be done. Johor was more complicated, while Melaka is easier,” he said.
His remarks come as both sides of the political divide explore possible alliances ahead of the 16th Melaka state election.
Pakatan Harapan (PH) has indicated that it is open to discussions with Barisan Nasional (BN), with PH secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail saying earlier this week that the matter would be discussed with Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had also said on Aug 8 that the coalition remained open to negotiations over seat allocations and possible seat swaps, provided seats already won by individual parties were respected.
Meanwhile, Abdul Hadi said discussions involving Perikatan Nasional (PN) and BN were still ongoing through representatives appointed for the negotiations.
He claimed there was considerable support within BN, including among party leaders and grassroots members, for cooperation with PN.
“We are still discussing it. There are different views within BN, but I believe the majority agree with cooperation with PN. The Youth leadership and grassroots also support it,” he said.
Asked what PAS would do if BN eventually decided to work with PH in Melaka, Abdul Hadi declined to speculate, saying no final decision had been reached.
“We will deal with it if it happens. There is no decision yet. We are still observing the situation and continuing discussions,” he said.
Separately, the Marang MP criticised the PH government’s handling of international diplomatic issues, particularly tensions involving China and Taiwan.
He accused the government of taking an approach similar to what he described as provocative tactics associated with former US president Donald Trump, arguing that Malaysia should avoid interfering in the affairs of other countries.
