Melaka Pakatan open to talks, coalition welcomes negotiations ahead state election

MELAKA, Aug 9 — Melaka Pakatan Harapan (PH) is open to negotiations with any party for the upcoming Melaka State Election, said its chairman Adly Zahari.

He said the form of cooperation and number of seats to be contested have yet to be finalised, with two series of meetings held so far to assess the coalition’s prospects, while preparations for the state election remain focused internally within PH.

“In a democratic political system, various forms of cooperation can be implemented. We are discussing, but we have not made any decision at the PH level.

“We have not finalised the form of cooperation outside PH itself, but we certainly welcome anyone who wishes to hold negotiations,” he told reporters after officiating the Bukit Katil Santuni Madani Programme at the Melaka Tengah Vocational College field here today.

Adly said the coalition has also not held discussions with Melaka Barisan Nasional (BN), but remains open to working with parties that share aspirations aligned with the core principles and values of the Malaysia Madani agenda.

Commenting on seat targets, Adly said Melaka PH is optimistic about increasing its number of State Legislative Assembly seats from the five seats it previously won out of a total of 28.

He said assessments are being conducted based on PH’s strength in the three parliamentary constituencies it won, namely Alor Gajah, Kota Melaka and Hang Tuah Jaya, as well as its potential in Tangga Batu, Masjid Tanah and Jasin.

“Our primary focus is to increase our wins. We are very positive that we can indeed add to our core seats,” he said.

Meanwhile, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) State Leadership Council (MPN) acting chairman Adam Adli Abd Halim said Melaka’s political situation has its own distinct dynamics compared with other states forming the Unity Government, meaning all factors must be considered in any negotiations.

“Officially, there are no formal negotiations with BN yet, but communication and discussions are ongoing. Individually and as party representatives with BN, we will look for ways to resolve matters,” he said.

Adam Adli added that for now, PH state assemblymen are focusing on fulfilling their duties and responsibilities to the public while avoiding excessive political polemics that could disrupt social consensus and unity. — Bernama