PETALING JAYA: Pakatan Harapan (PH) is expected to contest the Melaka state election on its own, with the coalition’s state leadership indicating that it is prepared to face the polls without an electoral pact with Barisan Nasional (BN).
Melaka DAP chairman Khoo Poay Tiong said DAP would maintain its commitment to PH while preparing for the possibility of contesting independently.
The development comes amid continued uncertainty over cooperation between PH and BN, despite the two coalitions working together at the federal level.
PH had previously said it was prepared to contest the seats it had contested in the previous state election if no agreement could be reached with BN.
Acting Melaka PKR chief Adam Adli had also said PH was ready to contest all the seats it previously contested, stressing that the absence of formal negotiations with BN had not affected the coalition’s preparations.
The question of electoral cooperation has become increasingly complicated following disagreements between PH and BN over the Melaka polls.
PH election director Amirudin Shari said earlier that the door remained open for cooperation with BN, saying the coalition was prioritising political stability, the interests of voters and the possibility of winning the election.
However, Amanah communications director Khalid Samad had previously said PH would not accept an offer to cooperate with BN and would instead contest based on the coalition’s principles.
At the same time, PH leaders have held discussions with Bersatu over the possibility of a broader electoral understanding.
Melaka PH chairman Adly Zahari previously said the coalition was considering a “PH Plus” formula involving parties with similar aspirations. However, no final decision had been reached on such cooperation.
The uncertainty comes as political parties prepare for a closely watched state election involving 28 seats.
BN currently holds 20 of the 28 seats in the Melaka state assembly, making it the largest bloc in the state.
The political landscape has also shifted following Melaka DAP’s withdrawal from the state government in July after the state assembly passed constitutional amendments allowing the appointment of nominated assemblymen.
DAP said the move was based on its opposition to the amendments, arguing that assemblymen should be elected by voters. The party’s four elected representatives retained their seats but moved to the Opposition bloc.
Prime Minister and PH chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim subsequently urged Melaka DAP to postpone its withdrawal, saying differences between coalition partners should not disrupt the state government’s administration before the election.
With the state election approaching, the parties are now expected to finalise their seat allocations, candidates and possible electoral arrangements.
The Election Commission is scheduled to announce the election timetable, including nomination and polling dates.
The Melaka polls are expected to be closely watched as they could provide an indication of voter sentiment towards PH, BN and the opposition ahead of the next general election.
-FMT
