'We won't chase them': Melaka BN waits for official PH decision

AYER KEROH: Amanah communications director Khalid Abdul Samad's statement on political cooperation ahead of the Melaka election will not be taken as a benchmark by Barisan Nasional (BN) in its talks with Pakatan Harapan (PH).

Melaka BN chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said BN would take into account the PH presidential council's official decision.

He said individual statements by PH leaders could not be taken as the basis for determining the coalition's overall position.

"I do not take Khalid's statement as a benchmark because what is important is the decision of the PH presidential council.

"If the presidential council says it does not want to, then what can we do?

"I do not want to be in a situation where we are chasing after people who do not appreciate us," he said after chairing the Melaka Umno liaison committee meeting at Seri Bendahara here last night.

Khalid was previously reported to have said PH would not work with BN in the 16th Melaka election, adding that the matter had already been decided by the coalition.

He said PH was currently open to working with any party except BN and Perikatan Nasional (PN).

Meanwhile, Rauf, who is also Melaka chief minister, said all parties had the right to state their respective positions on the proposed political understanding.

He said BN would wait for developments following a formal invitation for talks to determine whether discussions on a political understanding could proceed.

"Let us wait until the formal invitation is made to see whether these discussions can be held and whether an agreement to work together can proceed.

"It is up to any party to decide whether it wants to work with us," he said.

Rauf said Melaka BN would continue preparations for the election, including strengthening the party's groundwork and election machinery at all levels.

He said preparations would continue without waiting for a final decision on any form of political cooperation.