Pakatan Harapan (PH) said it is prepared for all outcomes in the upcoming Melaka state election, including contesting alone if negotiations with Barisan Nasional (BN) fail. PH election director and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari noted that party leadership needs room to evaluate strategic options before making final decisions, adding, "There is still time, so let’s wait and see how things develop. I am not in a position to make the decision. So I have been asked to discuss it, and let’s discuss. But if there is no one to discuss with, what can we do? We just move forward" [1, 2, 3].
Amirudin described the political landscape as fluid, saying "everyone can determine their own way of gaining the people’s support" amid unfolding developments [1, 2, 3]. PH has also indicated openness to cooperating with Bersatu in Melaka, marking a shift in political alliances [4]. Perikatan Nasional (PN) secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said, "It is like the saying, the clearer the light, the clearer the picture. This is a confession, an admission from PH that they will cooperate with Bersatu" [4].
Takiyuddin noted Bersatu's solo contest in Negeri Sembilan and use of their own logo show reluctance to fully align with PN, though politically they remain in the coalition. He said, "Politically, they are still in PN because they have not taken the approach to leave on their own. That is Bersatu's attitude, even though their actions were clear when they contested using their own logo in the Negeri Sembilan state election" [5]. PN plans to hold a meeting after the PAS Muktamar to discuss Bersatu’s position within the coalition and other issues [5, 6].
Bersatu is seeking cooperation with other parties ahead of Melaka’s election. If contesting in a coalition, Bersatu targets to contest 2 to 3 seats. Bersatu won 2 Melaka seats in 2021 under the PN banner: Bemban and Sungai Udang [6].
Meanwhile, Perak State Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Mohammad Zahir Abdul Khalid confirmed the assembly’s sitting from Sept 8 to 10 will include motions to elect a new senator and to table amendment bills. Two candidates for the Perak Senate seat have been nominated: Mohamad Hairul Amir Sabri (PKR) and Ibrahim Zakaria (PAS) [7, 8, 9]. The Opposition seating arrangement in Perak remains unchanged despite Bersatu tensions [8].
The upcoming Perak sitting scheduled for three days beginning Sept 8 will be closely watched for legislative and electoral developments within the state assembly [7, 9].
