If you’re not interested in alliance, just say so, Amirudin tells Melaka BN

Pakatan Harapan (PH) election director Amirudin Shari has pressed Barisan Nasional (BN) to reveal whether it is interested in an alliance for the Melaka state election, despite the latter’s wish to delay talks until the legislature is dissolved.

Amirudin said PH had no qualms if BN was not interested in an alliance but wanted this stand to be made known sooner rather than later so that PH’s preparations could proceed more smoothly.

“For now, there is no indication that they would be interested (in an alliance). I’m not sure when (the state assembly) will be dissolved, but maybe they’re not interested.

“We have no issues if they’re not interested, just say so,” the PKR vice-president was quoted as saying.

Amirudin also questioned the Umno-led coalition’s shifting stance on cooperation, noting that it previously said it wanted to go solo, before saying it would work with Perikatan Nasional and then opening the door to talks with PH.

“Maybe it’s to mislead their rivals and allies,” he added.

BN has given its Melaka chairman, chief minister Ab Rauf Yusoh, the mandate to negotiate electoral cooperation with any party for the state election.

BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the coalition’s chosen partner must be “sincere and honest”. Zahid also said that formal talks would only begin after the Melaka assembly is dissolved.

The state assembly’s term is due to expire on Dec 31. Rauf previously hinted that the dissolution could take place this month.