Ab Rauf gets the nod to negotiate with election allies

 Barisan Nasional chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says Ab Rauf Yusoh must 'choose a loyal partner, one that can deliver victory for us'.

BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, speaking at a Melaka youth event, said the party must defend the 21 state assembly seats won in 2021. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Melaka Barisan Nasional chief Ab Rauf Yusoh has been given the mandate by BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to negotiate electoral cooperation with any party for the coming state election.

Zahid said the chosen partner must be sincere and honest to ensure BN continues to lead the state government next term.

“Datuk Rauf, I give you the mandate to negotiate well. Choose a loyal partner, one that can deliver victory for us,” Bernama quoted Zahid as saying today.

“Choose a partner who is sincere and honest with us, one who speaks the same behind our backs as to our face, not a partner who says one thing in front and does another behind our back,” he said.

Zahid’s remarks came when closing the Melaka youth carnival which was also attended by Rauf, who is Melaka chief minister.

The BN chairman reminded Melaka BN to defend the 21 state seats won by the coalition in the 2021 election. Pakatan Harapan won five and Perikatan Nasional secured two seats in the 28-member state assembly. The current term of the state assembly expires in December. - FMT