Fahmi plays down Melaka PH-Bersatu dinner, says no formal talks yet

Pakatan Harapan (PH) communications director Fahmi Fadzil has played down a closed-door dinner between Melaka PH and Bersatu leaders last night ahead of the state election.

Fahmi said the coalition had yet to commence official talks with Bersatu on an alliance for the Melaka polls, adding that the PH presidential council makes the final decision on political cooperation.

“Therefore, for now, we shall wait for the PH presidential council. There have been no updates on the matter,” he said at a press conference here.

The PKR information chief added that he had no information about last night’s dinner beyond what was reported in the news.

“Based on media reports, it was only a dinner. (The meeting) was not discussed with me. I wasn’t there, so I have no information on what happened there.”

Those present last night included acting Melaka PKR chief Adam Adli, Bersatu information chief Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz, deputy Melaka Bersatu chief Ali Mohamad and state Amanah chief Ashraf Mukhlis Minghat.

Adly previously said Melaka PH was finalising negotiations with parties that shared similar aspirations, including Bersatu, to form a “PH Plus” alliance for the state election.

However, PH is also holding talks with ruling state coalition Barisan Nasional (BN), which is also in discussions with Perikatan Nasional (PN).

PH and BN remain allies in the federal government while PN sits in the opposition. Bersatu is a PN component but fell out of favour in the coalition after falling out with PAS, which chairs PN.

BN and PN formed an alliance in the Aug 1 Negeri Sembilan polls and stormed to a convincing victory, acquiring a two-thirds majority. Bersatu went solo in protest of the agreement, but was heavily defeated in all 24 seats contested.

BN has refrained from confirming an alliance with PN for the Melaka polls despite previously stating that their cooperation would continue.