Melaka polls: BN-PN cooperation could deliver 25 seats, says Jalaluddin

MASJID TANAH: The cooperation between Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional is expected to secure at least 25 of the 28 seats in the Melaka state election, an Umno Supreme Council member said.

Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias said the understanding between the two coalitions had the potential to bring greater success in the state polls.

He said the cooperation was something the public had been looking forward to, including the Malay, Chinese and Indian communities, particularly those seeking political and administrative stability.

"The understanding between BN and PN is something the people have been waiting for. It is not only the Malays, but also the Chinese and Indian communities who have been anticipating this cooperation.

"This is because they know it will create a stronger force to administer the state or federal government," he said.

He was speaking to reporters after campaigning with BN candidate for the Ayer Limau state seat Datuk Hameed Mytheen Kunju Basheer at Taman Seri Aman last night.

Jalaluddin said BN's electoral successes in Johor and Negri Sembilan had strengthened his confidence that the cooperation could deliver a better result in Melaka.

"If they managed to win 21 of the 28 seats previously, I expect BN and PN to secure at least 25 seats in this state election," he said.

Meanwhile, he said all eight Umno divisions in Negri Sembilan had been mobilised to assist BN's campaign in three state constituencies designated as their adopted areas: Taboh Naning, Ayer Limau and Lendu.

He said the mobilisation involved the Wanita, Youth and Puteri wings, which had been tasked with providing full support for the campaign in all three constituencies.

He said it was customary for Umno divisions in states not holding elections to assist their counterparts in states facing state elections or by-elections, following instructions from the party president.

"Similarly, this time, I have asked the Wanita, Youth and Puteri teams, including those from all eight divisions, to provide comprehensive support in Melaka," he said.

He added that the number of party machinery members deployed to assist the campaign in the three constituencies had continued to increase since the first day, reflecting the party's commitment to the task.

The mobilisation would continue until polling day to ensure the three constituencies received sufficient campaign support.

"We will ensure that BN dominates all three state constituencies," he said.