Saifuddin Nasution says PH may discuss cooperation with Melaka BN ahead of the state election, including possible seat allocation talks
PUTRAJAYA: Pakatan Harapan (PH) secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has not ruled out meeting Melaka Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh to discuss possible cooperation in the upcoming Melaka state election.
The PKR vice-president, who is currently performing the duties of the party’s deputy president, said such a discussion could take place after the Melaka Chief Minister returns from a working visit to New Zealand.
“If I go to Melaka, I have to stop by his house and have Mak Leha’s asam pedas with him. So we are always in touch.
“During our conversations, we discuss various matters. As the Melaka election is approaching, we may broach the subject,” he said after a memorandum of understanding exchange ceremony between the Immigration Department and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) here today.
On Aug 8, Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the coalition remained open to negotiations on seat allocation for the Melaka state election, including possible seat swaps, provided they were conducted honestly and in good faith.
He said the basic principle guiding the negotiations was that seats won by any party should be respected and not simply handed over to political partners.
Following the announcement, PH communications director Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the openness should be welcomed in the interest of Melaka’s future and political stability, as well as the country’s interests.
“I think this openness presents a good opportunity for us to consider, because we know that in Melaka, BN has 21 seats, while PH has five. So, that is something realistic,” Fahmi said.
