Umno will not enter PN pact in Melaka blindly, says Zahid

Umno will not enter PN pact in Melaka blindly, says Zahid

An Umno flags were seen fluttering near the Putra World Trace Centre (PWTC) building inconjunction with the Umno general assembly on Tuesday. IZZRAFIQ ALIAS / The Star. December 5, 2017.

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno and Barisan Nasional will not enter an electoral arrangement with Perikatan Nasional blindly for the upcoming Melaka state election, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Speaking on Sunday (Aug 23) after officiating the Ministers and CEOs Summit 2026 at the World Islamic Tourism & Trade Expo (WITEX 2026), the Umno President emphasised that grassroots sentiment will dictate whether the coalition collaborates with outside parties.

“Grassroots sentiment is mixed, so we are conducting a detailed study. We should not enter a situation where the fish cannot survive, or tie up a fish only to be left with its bones,” Zahid said, adding that Melaka Chief Minister and state Barisan chief Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, alongside central leadership, will make the final decision.

Zahid also confirmed that Umno will send a representative to PAS’s upcoming Muktamar next month (September).

The remarks follow a statement from PAS President Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, who, on Aug 21, noted that while Perikatan is negotiating seats with BN for Melaka, the coalition is ready to walk away if Barisan aligns with Pakatan Harapan instead.