Melaka election: PH raring to go as talks continue

THE dissolution of the Melaka assembly has set the stage for a crowded state election, with Pakatan Harapan and its component DAP saying they are ready for the polls as negotiations over electoral cooperation continue.

Kota Melaka member of parliament Khoo Poay Tiong said the dissolution came as no surprise, given earlier indications by caretaker chief minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh that the 28-seat assembly would be dissolved this month.

"It's expected. It was mentioned before that it would dissolve in September. PH is ready to face the election. We started our preparations a long time ago. Our party members are ready," he said.

Rauf yesterday announced that Yang di-Pertua Negeri Melaka Tun Dr Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam had consented to the dissolution following an audience, ending weeks of speculation over when the assembly would be dissolved.

The election is expected to see contests across all 28 seats, with parties still working out their respective strategies and possible electoral pacts.

On cooperation with other coalitions, Khoo said the matter would be left to DAP's top leadership to decide.

Asked about DAP's prospects and target, he said the party's immediate focus was retaining the four seats it won in the 2021 state polls.

"We will try our best. Our target is to retain (the seats won in the previous election), and we hope we can win one or two additional seats," he said.

Meanwhile, state PKR chief Adam Adli Abdul Halim said the party's machinery at all levels was ready for the state polls.

"We are prepared to face the polls. PH in general will call for a press conference as soon as possible, but right now we just have to focus on our preparations," he said.

On electoral pacts, he said the details would be addressed at the press conference.

"We will be having our meetings, but right now our main focus remains on our preparation."

[[nid:1538884]]

The New Straits Times has learnt that the Election Commission has also been making preparations for the Melaka polls.

A source who declined to be named said this indicated that the election could be held sooner rather than closer to the monsoon season.

Meanwhile, negotiations between Bersatu and PH appear to be continuing, with a Bersatu source saying discussions between its secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali and PH election director Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari had been "positive".

However, the perception towards DAP remained a challenge, said the source.

"Pas and Umno are talking about uniting the ummah, and they have been successful in demonising DAP. It will be tough to fight this sentiment," the source said.

The source said one proposal being floated was for DAP to contest on its own while providing support through a confidence-and-supply agreement after the election.

"But what is certain is that Bersatu will not return to PH.
We could see a PH plus-plus or an Ikatan Prihatin Rakyat plus-plus. What's most
important is avoid-ing multi-cornered fights," said the source.

Bersatu information chief Datuk Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz said more negotiations were ongoing.

"We are exploring cooperation with
other parties and blocs," he said when contacted.

"Discussions are ongoing, not just for Melaka but other state and federal elections."

Tun Faisal also said Bersatu assemblymen in Pahang had an understanding to support the menteri besar from Barisan Nasional.