Melaka election talks easier than Johor's, says PAS president

PAS President Abdul Hadi Awang expressed confidence that coalition talks for the upcoming Melaka state election will be smoother than those held for the Johor polls. Speaking in Marang, Hadi, whose party leads Perikatan Nasional (PN), believes the process of forming a political cooperation with Barisan Nasional (BN) under the banner of 'unity of the ummah' will be less complicated.

Hadi based his optimism on the positive responses received after the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections, as well as the current national political landscape. He indicated that discussions between PN and BN are ongoing, and while BN remains divided on the matter, a majority, including its Youth Chief and grassroots members, agree to cooperate with PN.

"Insya-Allah, it can be done. If Johor was more complicated, Melaka will be easier," Hadi stated when asked about the progress of negotiations and whether PAS's agenda for Malay unity could be translated in the Melaka polls. He noted that representatives from both coalitions are still in discussions.

When questioned about PAS's stance should BN decide to collaborate with Pakatan Harapan (PH) in Melaka, Hadi declined to comment further. He emphasized that no official decision has been finalized yet. "That will happen first. Things haven't happened yet, so I can't say. Not yet. No decision has been made to date," he said. He also confirmed that PAS has alternative strategies if cooperation with BN does not proceed as planned.