Formal Talks Will Begin After Melaka Assembly Is Dissolved

Formal negotiations between Barisan Nasional and potential coalition partners for the Melaka state election will wait until the state assembly is dissolved, BN Chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

Ahmad Zahid said Melaka Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh had received the mandate to examine political data and developments in the state. He added that the information gathered through Melaka’s election “war room” would be reviewed by UMNO’s supreme council.

UMNO’s central working committee recently unanimously handed the state leadership responsibility for determining the direction of discussions with other political parties. UMNO Secretary-General Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the state leaders could engage parties interested in forming cooperation for the election.

Ahmad Zahid said formal negotiations had not yet started. Discussions between BN and possible partners remained informal, with official talks expected only after the Melaka assembly is dissolved.

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We have handed this matter to Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, and I think he will hold formal discussions after the Melaka State Legislative Assembly is dissolved.