MELAKA: Political negotiations ahead of the Melaka state election should be conducted through proper discussions at the negotiating table rather than social media, said Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
The Melaka Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman said all parties should create space for amicable negotiations to explore possible cooperation and strengthen their efforts to defend Melaka.
He said the upcoming state election would be approached under the “BN Plus” framework, which remains open to negotiations with all parties.
“We should negotiate properly, not through social media, as this can create an unhealthy perception.
“Anyone can come and negotiate. There is no need to make statements on social media when they have yet to meet me or party chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi,” he told reporters after officiating the closing ceremony of the Wakil Rakyat Untuk Rakyat (WRUR) Parliament Tangga Batu: Kampung Kita programme at Stadium Hang Jebat here last night.
Ab Rauf, who is also Tanjung Bidara assemblyman, said Melaka BN would defend all 21 seats it currently holds in the next state election.
He said no decision had been made on seat allocations, with the coalition expected to assess and study the matter before determining its position, particularly if any arrangement could benefit the parties involved.
He also called on all parties, whether aligned with BN or otherwise, to make room for negotiations and engage in discussions in an amicable manner.
Ab Rauf said Melaka’s political landscape could not be assessed solely based on parliamentary election results, as BN had continued working to strengthen public confidence and deliver the best services to the people.
“Certainly, that scenario cannot be used as a benchmark for determining seat allocations in the Melaka state election,” he said.
On whether PAS had approached BN for negotiations, Ab Rauf said no formal discussions had taken place so far.
“We have not had any formal negotiations yet. Not yet.
“But I hope we put political negotiations on social media on hold for a while. Let’s negotiate at the table, more wisely,” he said.
