Azmin pours cold water on PH-Bersatu pact, says no deal reached

KUALA LUMPUR: Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali has poured cold water on prospects of an electoral pact with Pakatan Harapan for the Melaka election.

Azmin said cooperation with any party did not "exist", with no decision made on any pact for the state election.

He said Bersatu was instead focused on preparations in several target seats.

"Bersatu is currently focused on election preparations in several target areas. Cooperation with any party does not exist.

"No decision has been made to cooperate. We are only focused on several seats with good potential, including the two seats we currently hold," he told the New Straits Times.

Azmin did not say whether Bersatu would contest the state election on its own.

Yesterday, PH communications director Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said no official discussions had taken place between PH and Bersatu on cooperation in the Melaka election.

Amanah communications director Khalid Abdul Samad said any cooperation would require Bersatu to understand PH's principles on performance, integrity and values.

On Sept 19, Melaka PH chairman Adly Zahari said PH was finalising talks with like-minded parties, including Bersatu, over a possible "PH Plus" arrangement.

The Melaka state assembly was dissolved on Sept 23, with the Election Commission set to meet on Oct 7 to determine key election dates.

In the 2021 Melaka election, Barisan Nasional won 21 of the 28 seats, PH five and Perikatan Nasional two.

Bersatu won PN's two seats in Sungai Udang and Bemban under the PN banner, although both incumbents have since shifted their support to Wawasan.