PN pressures BN ahead of Melaka state election talks

 

PERIKATAN Nasional (PN) is putting intense pressure on Barisan Nasional (BN) ahead of the yet-to-be-called state elections in Melaka.

Yesterday (Aug 21), PN Information Chief Tan Sri Annuar Musa said Melaka is currently under the administration of the BN government, and the party is free to choose any of its political partners.

He added, however, that the coalition is ready to go solo or cooperate with other parties, while leaving it to BN to determine its direction.

“Melaka is a BN government. Let BN freely choose its partner. PN is with the people and follows the conscience of the people. A coalition is fine, going solo is also fine,” he said via a post on his Facebook page yesterday.

Annuar’s statement is believed to be in response to the views of Melaka BN Chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, who likened BN to a ‘beautiful maiden’ being sought after by various parties to cooperate.

Lately, there have been talks of a Pakatan Harapan (PH)-BN deal in Melaka, while PAS and PN said they are willing to seek fewer seats – as low as six – to maintain the BN-PN alliance forged before the Johor state polls.

Meanwhile, PAS President Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang has warned that PN is prepared to abandon cooperation with BN if the latter pursues an alliance with PH for the upcoming Melaka state election.

Speaking after his Dhuha lecture at Masjid Rusila, Hadi said PN remains confident in its tactical options, though discussions with BN are still ongoing.

“We have been informed that the BN leadership remains divided and hesitant, even though the majority of the party’s leaders agree that cooperation with PN should continue,” he remarked.

It also appears that PN is taking the same views expressed by UMNO Youth Chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, who recently announced he will not defend his Merlimau seat in the upcoming Melaka state election if BN and PH form an electoral pact, stating he prefers to uphold his political principles over holding elected office. —  Focus Malaysia