PH, Bersatu leaders attend dinner, amid speculation of talks on Melaka polls

 Melaka Bersatu information chief Hishamuddin Karim says, however, the gathering was just to exchange views on preparations for the election.

Tonight’s dinner followed remarks by Melaka PH chairman Adly Zahari that the state chapter was finalising negotiations with other parties, including Bersatu, to form an alliance for the upcoming polls.

PETALING JAYA:

Melaka Bersatu and Pakatan Harapan leaders attended a closed-door dinner ahead of the state election at a hotel in Melaka tonight.

Bersatu information chief Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz, election director Mohammad Ali Mohamad, associate wing chief R Sri Sanjeevan, and Melaka information chief Hishamuddin Karim were among those present, Sinar Harian reported.

Also spotted were Melaka Amanah chairman Ashraf Mukhlis Minghat and acting Melaka PKR chairman Adam Adli.

Melaka PH chairman Adly Zahari was also expected to attend.

FMT has contacted several of the leaders for comment, with Melaka DAP chairman Khoo Poay Tiong saying he was not present.

Hishamuddin said the dinner had no specific agenda and was simply an opportunity to exchange views on preparations for the state election.

“It’s not a formal meeting. It’s just dinner. We have met many times before, and today we came together for dinner.

“About 25 party chairmen and election directors attended. After dinner, there will be speeches by Ali, followed by Adly,” he said.

Earlier, Adly said Melaka PH would use the PH Plus formula for the state election by working with other parties that shared similar aspirations, but that this did not include Barisan Nasional for now.

He also said talks with Bersatu on political cooperation were ongoing, with no final decision reached.

On Sept 19, Adly said Melaka PH was finalising negotiations with parties that shared similar aspirations, including Bersatu, to form a “PH Plus” alliance for the state election.

He said the negotiations were being conducted based on decisions made at a PH presidential council meeting.

On Sept 24, Tun Faisal said talks on an electoral pact with other parties ahead of the Melaka polls were ongoing.

Bersatu contested the Aug 1 Negeri Sembilan polls on its own but lost all 24 seats it stood in.

The Election Commission will meet on Oct 7 to discuss arrangements for the 16th Melaka election following the dissolution of the state legislative assembly on Sept 23. - FMT