BN, PN ink pact to face 16th Melaka election

 

Barisan Nasional and its strategic partner, Pas, representing parties under Perikatan Nasional, today formalised their cooperation and political understanding ahead of the 16th Melaka election. -- PIC FROM ASYRAF WAJDI’S FACEBOOK PAGE

KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional and its strategic partner Pas, representing parties under Perikatan Nasional, today formalised their cooperation and political understanding ahead of the 16th Melaka election.

Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed this evening by him and PN secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, who is also Pas secretary-general.

BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi witnessed the signing.

"The Umno Supreme Council, which met today, unanimously agreed to formalise cooperation and a political understanding with strategic partners Pas and other parties under PN to face the Melaka election," he told reporters after the council meeting at Menara Dato Onn.

Asyraf said the supreme council had also agreed that BN and PN would launch a joint election manifesto, pledging to provide the best services to the people and build on the achievements in public service delivery and state development under the previous Melaka state government.

"The manifesto will be launched in the evening after nomination day (on Saturday). If there are any changes, we will inform later," he said.

He added that the party's election machinery and supporters would be directed to assist and provide strong support to all PN candidates contesting in the election.

"The supreme council also called on party leaders and election machinery to conduct their campaigns prudently and ethically, without resorting to slander, ridicule or insults against opposing parties," he said.

Asked whether Parti Wawasan would also field their candidates, Asyraf said the matter should be referred to PN.

"That is for PN to decide. We leave it to them to determine the candidates and the parties that will contest the seven state seats, as agreed upon under the terms of the agreement and understanding reached with BN.

"BN will contest 21 seats, including two allocated to MCA and one to MIC, while PN will contest seven seats," he said.

Meanwhile, BN Melaka chairman and caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the meeting discussed the coordination of campaign activities for the state election, with clear instructions for everyone to focus on the 21 constituencies being contested.

"Every vote counts in our efforts to defend all 21 constituencies," he said.

The Election Commission has set polling day for Nov 14, with early voting on Nov 10.

In the 2021 Melaka election, BN won 21 of the 28 seats contested, enabling it to form the state government. Pakatan Harapan won five seats, while PN secured two. - NST