Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) are conducting cooperation talks for the upcoming Melaka state election through their election committees led by Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail respectively [1, 2, 3]. PH election director Amirudin Shari plans to meet PH chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to discuss the possibility of PH-BN cooperation. Amirudin said, "The earliest would be after the National Day celebrations, if there is a need for such a meeting or discussion." [3]

PH chairman Anwar Ibrahim commented: "That will be discussed by the election committee. We have Amirudin and Saifuddin who will be involved." [2] No formal strategic decisions have been made yet as discussions continue without fixed agreements, according to Amirudin [3].

BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the party is conducting a detailed grassroots sentiment study before deciding on cooperation for the Melaka polls. He explained, "Grassroots sentiment is mixed. So we will conduct a detailed study. Jangan masuk ke lubuk di mana keli tidak boleh hidup ataupun ikan sepat tinggal tulang." BN has given Melaka BN chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh and the central Umno/BN leadership the final mandate on negotiations [4, 5, 6].

Meanwhile, Perikatan Nasional (PN) has held initial talks with BN about potential cooperation. PN secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan confirmed positive feedback from BN leaders on the discussions [7, 8]. PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang said, "That is still at an early stage, but even now, it has shown very good progress. The progress of the discussions has been very positive." PN and BN began talks three days ago on a cooperation pact [8].

PN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said the Melaka polls could take place within two months. He stressed PN’s readiness and commitment to participate in governing the state regardless of the outcome. He said, "Do not see 60 days as a long period. Instead, see it as a period that will determine the form of government that will administer Melaka." [9, 10]

BN component party MCA remains open toward cooperation with PH for the Melaka election. They emphasized that collective decisions by BN top leadership will determine the outcome, with seat negotiations to follow only after the state assembly is dissolved [11, 12].

The Melaka state assembly has 28 seats. In the last state election in 2021, BN won 21 seats, PH won 5, and PN secured 2 [3, 5, 6].

The Umno Supreme Council is expected to discuss the party’s political direction and decide on Melaka election cooperation on August 28, 2026 [4].