BN Conducting Detailed Study on Electoral Cooperation for Melaka State Election, Says Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 23 — Barisan Nasional (BN) is conducting a comprehensive study regarding potential cooperation with other political coalitions for the upcoming Melaka state election.

BN Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that while initial recommendations will be formulated by the Melaka BN state leadership, any final decision will be finalized at the central level.

Zahid noted that mixed feedback among ground-level members prompted the coalition to undertake a thorough assessment before taking a definitive position.

“Grassroots sentiment is mixed, so we are carrying out a detailed study. The matter will be decided by Melaka BN chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, and the decision will then be finalised by the UMNO and BN leadership at the central level,” Zahid said.

Speaking to reporters after officiating the 2026 World Islamic Tourism and Trade Expo (WITEX) Ministers and CEOs Summit today, Zahid reiterated that he had previously granted Ab Rauf—who serves as Melaka Chief Minister—the mandate to negotiate potential alliances with other political blocs ahead of the state polls.

In the 2021 Melaka state election, BN secured a dominant victory by winning 21 of the 28 state seats, while Pakatan Harapan won five seats and Perikatan Nasional took two.

–NMT