[UPDATED] No PH-Bersatu talks on Melaka polls yet, says Fahmi

PUTRAJAYA: No official discussions have taken place on cooperation between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Bersatu for the Melaka state election, says PH communications director Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil.

He said he had no information on a reported meeting between PH and Bersatu leaders in Melaka last night as he was not present.

"I have not received any information. Based on media reports, it was only a dinner.

"It was not discussed with me. I was not there, so I have no information," he told reporters after attending the launch of the Medicines By Post initiative at the Communications Ministry.

PH and Bersatu leaders were reported to have attended a closed-door dinner in Melaka on Monday night amid speculation over possible cooperation ahead of the state election.

However, Melaka Bersatu information chief Hishamuddin Abdul Karim said the gathering was merely a dinner and informal exchange of views on preparations for the state election.

Fahmi, who is also Communications Minister, said any decision on political cooperation would be made through the PH Presidential Council.

"Any decision eventually for Pakatan Harapan will be made through the Presidential Council.

"So, for now, we are waiting for the Presidential Council. There has been no development yet," he said.

Amanah vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, who was also present, likewise said he had no information on the gathering apart from what he heard from a third party.

"I also have nothing. I only heard about it from a third party," said Dzulkefly, who is also Health Minister.

Earlier, Melaka PH chairman Adly Zahari said the coalition was finalising discussions with parties sharing similar aspirations, including Bersatu, to form a PH Plus cooperation for the state election.

He said any cooperation would only be announced after the discussions were completed.

Prime Minister and PH chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also said last week that discussions with Bersatu had taken place, but no agreement had been reached, with the matter left to the coalition's election committee.