Melaka polls: BN to negotiate with other parties soon, says Ab Rauf

Melaka BN chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the negotiations would begin as soon as he receives the green light from the top Umno and BN leadership. — Bernama pic

First Published: Thursday, 24 Sep 2026 7:55 PM MYT

MELAKA, Sept 24 — Negotiations for cooperation between Barisan Nasional (BN) and other parties for the 16th Melaka State Election are expected to be held soon, says Melaka BN chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.

Ab Rauf, who is also Melaka Chief Minister, said the negotiations would begin as soon as he receives the green light from the top Umno and BN leadership.

“There will definitely be negotiations (with other parties),” he told reporters after attending an appreciation ceremony for Melaka state government retirees here today.

Ab Rauf said the 21 state seats won by BN in the 15th state election would form the basis of the coalition's negotiations.

“That is the basis of our negotiations. Meaning, that is our right, and we can negotiate on the rest. That is the baseline,” he said.

On Tuesday, Ab Rauf announced the dissolution of the Melaka State Legislative Assembly, which took effect yesterday (Wednesday).

Meanwhile, Election Commission (EC) secretary Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus, in a statement yesterday, said domestic and international postal voting applications for the 16th Melaka State Election opened yesterday for all categories.

He said all applications must be made online via the MySPR portal at https://myspr.spr.gov.my, and that the closing date will be announced later. — Bernama