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DISPUTES over seat-sharing in Johor and Melaka must be resolved behind closed doors rather than in the public arena, Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan has cautioned, stressing that airing differences openly risks unsettling the fragile unity government.
Speaking to Sinar Harian after inspecting the Senai–Desaru Expressway widening project, the Johor Umno deputy chief said his party was ready to engage in discussions if approached, but insisted that dialogue should occur through the proper channels and at an appropriate time.
“I am waiting for the green light to discuss this. I do not like public quarrels. In good public communication, we should not be shouting here and there. We are one family,” he said.
Ahmad, who also serves as deputy works minister, added that representatives from Amanah at both federal and state levels could meet with Umno to negotiate and reach an understanding. “We need to negotiate, meet, sit together and talk — and then avoid issuing statements that hurt the other side,” he said.
His remarks followed a call from Amanah on January 25 for seat-sharing arrangements for the upcoming Melaka and Johor state elections to be conducted fairly between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN), in accordance with the principles of the unity government.
Amanah communications director Khalid Abdul Samad highlighted that most state seats in both states are currently held by BN.
Ahmad also reiterated Umno’s longstanding “rule of thumb” that the party which previously won a seat retains the right to defend it, including in by-elections.
He cited examples such as Mahkota, Nenggiri, Pelangai, Lamag, and Kinabatangan, where BN successors maintained party control. “A similar situation happened in Sungai Bakap when the seat was retained by PKR as the original party that won it. This is clear. Whoever has won a particular seat will contest again in that area. That is the principle practised,” he said.
The deputy Umno chief stressed that both Johor and Melaka must prepare thoroughly for the possibility of state elections, a scenario previously highlighted by BN chairman and Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who suggested Melaka could head to the polls within two to 10 months.
Currently, BN holds 21 of 28 seats in Melaka, while PH has five, including Amanah’s Bukit Katil seat. In Johor, BN commands 40 of 56 seats following its two-thirds majority win in 2022, with PH holding 12 seats, including Amanah’s sole seat in Simpang Jeram.