PN open to seat swaps with BN, says Samsuri

 The PN chairman says there is plenty of room for discussion since the Melaka state election hasn't even been called yet.

PN chairman Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said official discussions with Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s BN have yet to begin.

PETALING JAYA:

Perikatan Nasional is open to swapping seats to reach a pact with Barisan Nasional for the next Melaka state election, says coalition chairman Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar.

Samsuri maintained that official discussions between the two coalitions have not started, pointing out that the Melaka polls have not even been called yet, Utusan Malaysia reported.

“PN is also open to any form of negotiation, although no such talks have commenced yet.

“Since there is still time (before the state polls), there is plenty of room for discussion, whether among the PN leadership or with our friends. If they’re ready to talk, we’re ready too,” he said.

The PAS vice-president added that negotiations must prioritise the establishment of a stable state government after the election.

Yesterday, BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the coalition remained open to negotiations on seat allocations for the Melaka polls, including seat swaps, provided its allies were honest and sincere.

Zahid said seats won by any party must be respected and should not simply be handed over to political partners.

The Umno president previously said BN intended to defend all 21 seats it won in the last Melaka state election. It currently holds 20 after Rembia assemblyman Jailani Khamis left Umno to join PAS before the state’s anti-hopping law enactment came into effect.

The Melaka state legislative assembly comprises a total of 28 seats. - FMT