Pakatan Harapan (PH) is calling on Barisan Nasional (BN) to clarify its position on possible cooperation in the upcoming Melaka state election, with no progress reported on formal talks between the two sides so far.
PH election director Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said PH had no issue if BN was not interested in working together, but urged the coalition to make its position clear so PH could proceed with preparations for the state election, which is expected to be held soon.
“So far, there are no indications of cooperation. When the dissolution (of the state assembly) will happen, I am not sure, but perhaps they are not interested.
“So if they are not interested, just tell us and we will continue (without BN),” he said after launching the Masjid Tanah election machinery in Kuala Sungai Baru last night.
Also present were Prime Minister’s Political Secretary Datuk Azman Abidin and acting Melaka PKR State Leadership Council chairman Adam Adli Abd Halim.
Amirudin, who is also Selangor Menteri Besar, questioned BN’s position after the coalition had previously been linked to several possible cooperation arrangements.
“At first, they said they might go solo, then they said they might go with PAS, and after that they could also go with PH.
“So perhaps that is meant to confuse both opponents and friends,” he said.
PH has previously said it is preparing for multiple scenarios in Melaka, including contesting on its own, forming a new political alignment or working with UMNO/BN. Bernama reported earlier this month that PH was preparing its machinery for various possibilities, including contesting without cooperation with another coalition.
Amirudin said PH would not wait solely for the outcome of negotiations, but would continue preparations by mobilising its election machinery, strengthening its teams and making preparations in areas identified for contesting.
BN Melaka chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh had previously said BN would defend all 21 seats it won at the previous state election and that discussions with interested parties would only take place after the Melaka state assembly is dissolved.
