Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said BN remains open to negotiations on seat allocations for the Melaka state election, including the possibility of seat swaps, provided discussions are honest and respect seats already won by parties. Zahid emphasized, "It is not impossible for the door to remain open for negotiations, but do not open it too wide and do not shut it completely" [1, 2, 3]. BN currently holds 21 of the 28 seats in the Melaka State Legislative Assembly and intends to defend them all, which could leave only seven seats for coalition partners [1, 4, 5, 6].
Malacca Chief Minister and BN Melaka chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh has been given full mandate by BN to negotiate cooperation with any political coalition ahead of the election [7, 6]. He urged political parties to conduct talks at the negotiating table rather than on social media, saying, "We should negotiate properly. Not through social media, as it can create an unhealthy perception. Anyone can come and negotiate. There is no need to voice it on social media when they have yet to meet me or party chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi" [6].
Pakatan Harapan (PH) Melaka chairman Adly Zahari said PH is open to negotiations with any party for election cooperation but has not finalized any seat arrangements internally or externally. He said, "In a democratic political system, various forms of cooperation can be implemented. We are discussing, but we have not made any decision at the PH level" [8]. PH previously won five seats in the state assembly and Adly expressed optimism about increasing that number [8]. PH communications director Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil confirmed that PKR is in talks with all parties including BN, welcoming the cross-party engagement signaled by Melaka CM Ab Rauf [7, 9].
Perikatan Nasional (PN) and BN have held preliminary talks on seat allocations for Melaka, with further discussions planned, according to Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang who said, "PN and BN are working to unite and save the Malays" [10]. PN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar stated PN is open and ready for cooperation talks with BN [7]. Parti Wawasan Negara president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin stressed the need for compromise to sustain the "Blue Wave" momentum across states including Melaka, stating, "If we want to keep that wave going, we must have a spirit of compromise". He dismissed speculation of a rift between BN and PN, emphasizing unity and cautioning against interference in coalition matters [4, 5, 11]. Hamzah also clarified that the positions of individual member parties do not necessarily reflect PN's official stance, which follows its own constitution and decision process [12].
Political leaders are expected to continue talks to finalize coalition arrangements and seat allocations ahead of the Melaka state election. The ongoing negotiations focus on balancing BN's goal of defending its 21 seats while exploring partnerships with PN and PH to contest the remaining seven seats in the 28-seat assembly [1, 4, 5].
