BN talks with potential Melaka election partners 95pc complete, says Zahid

Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim would meet him during the assembly, which began yesterday, although he did not specify when the meeting would take place. — Picture by Yusof Isa

First Published: Monday, 05 Oct 2026 9:19 AM MYT

SHAH ALAM, Oct 5 — Barisan Nasional (BN) has reached about 95 per cent completion in negotiations with potential partners for the Melaka election, with the coalition expected to reveal the outcome after the election date is announced on Oct 7, its chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

According to Free Malaysia Today (FMT) Zahid, who is also Umno president, said discussions with the parties involved were nearing completion.

“We will wait for the election date announcement on Oct 7. After that, we will announce which coalition we will work with or reach an understanding with for the Melaka election,” he told reporters after an event at Universiti Teknologi Mara here yesterday. 

The parties involved appeared to refer to PAS and Pakatan Harapan (PH), according to FMT.

On Friday, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said seat negotiations with Umno were about 90 per cent complete.

Zahid said BN had yet to decide whether PAS would contest the election using the BN logo.

However, he said BN was open to PAS contesting under its own symbol.

Asked if BN was willing to negotiate with PH, Zahid said the coalition was open to discussions.