BN open to seat distribution talks for Melaka election

Barisan Nasional (BN) is maintaining an open stance on seat distribution for the upcoming Melaka state election, signaling a willingness to engage in further negotiations, including the possibility of seat swaps. BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasized that while the party respects seats previously won by any component party, discussions for exchanges are permissible if an agreement is reached on an equal number of seats.

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If you are honest in negotiations, do not easily defend your seats.

"If you are honest in negotiations, do not easily defend your seats," Zahid stated, adding that the principle extends to understanding the position of parties that hold power in certain states. He noted that parties controlling specific states typically do not cede seats they have won. However, he suggested that if honesty prevails, the Melaka Chief Minister, who also chairs BN in Melaka, could facilitate such exchanges.

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But negotiations can be done for swaps or exchanges of seats, as long as the number of seats is the same.

This approach is not limited to Melaka; BN is considering similar seat swap discussions in other states where parties hold significant influence. Zahid reiterated that BN's principle is that "it is not impossible if the door remains open for negotiations." He advised against completely closing off or excessively widening these negotiation channels, indicating that there is still room for discussion and compromise.

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They will not give up seats they have won to their political partners. But if they can do it with a promise of honesty, I don't see the Melaka Chief Minister not being able to do it.