'That reflects their character', PAS responds to BN's plan to defend 21 seats

PAS in Melaka says Barisan Nasional's (BN) stated intention to defend all 21 state seats it won at the last Melaka state election reflects the coalition's own stand.

Melaka PAS secretary Muhammad Jailani Khamis did not elaborate on whether his remarks meant PAS would give way to BN as it did in Johor and Negeri Sembilan, but stressed that the party would comply with its leadership's decision.

"BN's intention to keep contesting 21 state seats shows their character and their stand.

"PAS and PN continue to prioritise the unity of the ummah and of the community," he told FMT.

"In principle, we will follow whatever the leadership decides."

He was responding to BN chairman Zahid Hamidi, who said the coalition intended to defend all 21 state seats it won in the last Melaka election.

The Umno president also said BN was open to reaching an understanding with any party, including Perikatan Nasional (PN), as was done in the Negeri Sembilan state election, where the coalition secured 25 of 36 seats.

In the 2021 Melaka polls, BN won 21 of the 28 state seats, Pakatan Harapan (PH) took five and PN two. BN's tally later fell to 20 after Jailani, who is also the Rembia assemblyman, joined PAS in 2023.

Meanwhile, Parti Wawasan Negara (Wawasan) Melaka leader Dr Mohd Yadzil Yaakub also left the matter of seat talks and PN-BN cooperation to the top leadership.

The Bemban assemblyman, who is Melaka opposition leader, said negotiations should be left to the judgment of Wawasan president Hamzah Zainudin.

FMT earlier reported political analyst Syaza Shukri's view that PN is expected to demand at least half of the 28 seats at the coming Melaka election. She said the demand would be based on PN's wins in three Melaka parliamentary seats at the 15th general election — Masjid Tanah, Tangga Batu and Jasin. Those three constituencies cover 14 state seats, 12 of which are held by BN.

PAS has previously announced its intention to contest 16 of Melaka's 28 state seats, including challenging Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh in Tanjung Bidara. Its other targets are Pantai Kundor, Paya Rumput, Klebang, Ayer Limau, Kuala Linggi, Rembia, Durian Tunggal, Pengkalan Batu, Duyong, Merlimau and Serkam.