Umno to discuss Melaka polls pact next week

 Umno Supreme Council member Ahmad Maslan says the agenda includes discussions on whether the party will cooperate with others or go solo.

Umno leader Ahmad Maslan urged all members to abide by the party’s decision on the Melaka state election. (Bernama pic)

MELAKA:

Umno’s political direction, including whether to cooperate with other parties or go solo in the Melaka state election, will be discussed at the party’s supreme council meeting on Aug 28.

Umno Supreme Council member Ahmad Maslan said the meeting, to be chaired by president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, would also discuss the best strategy to ensure Barisan Nasional’s (BN) victory in the state election.

“As far as I know, no final decision has been made on BN or Umno’s political direction in Melaka, including whether to cooperate with any party.

“What we have seen are discussions in the media and statements by several people, including Umno leaders in Melaka, on cooperation between BN and PH (Pakatan Harapan), as well as between BN and PN (Perikatan Nasional),” he told reporters here.

Ahmad urged all members to abide by the party’s decision on the Melaka state election, saying BN has to consider the situation in each state.

The Melaka state assembly must seek a new mandate by February next year.

BN formed the state government after winning 21 of the 28 seats in the 15th Melaka state election. PH secured five seats and PN two.

The state executive council included PH assemblymen, in keeping with the spirit of the unity government at the federal level.

However, in July, Melaka PH withdrew from the state administration after rejecting amendments to the state constitution allowing the appointment of up to seven unelected assemblymen. - FMT