PH ‘desperate’ for BN cooperation in Melaka polls, says Umno leader

KUALA LUMPUR: Pakatan Harapan (PH) is being “desperate” in its efforts to secure cooperation with Barisan Nasional (BN) for the upcoming Melaka state election, says UMNO Batu division chief Datuk Gulam Muszaffar Gulam Mustakim.

Gulam said PH had continued to attack and accuse BN and UMNO of being corrupt, while at the same time seeking cooperation with the coalition for the state polls.

He said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s gesture of celebrating Melaka Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh’s birthday showed PH’s efforts to win BN’s support and pave the way for cooperation in the election.

“PH is becoming increasingly desperate and is even preparing a contingency plan should negotiations with BN fail by saying it could cooperate with other parties under the PH ‘Plus’ concept,” he said in a statement.

Gulam said BN was the main focus for parties seeking cooperation in Melaka as it holds 21 of the 28 state seats, making it a key component in determining the political configuration after the election.

“They know it would be a great loss if they do not work with BN,” he said.

Gulam also questioned whether the previous political label of “UMDAP” could evolve into “BERSEDAP” in the Melaka polls under the PH Plus concept, referring to possible cooperation between PH and other parties.

He also raised the possibility of BN adopting a similar “BN Plus” approach, particularly following the suspension of Perikatan Nasional (PN) by the Registrar of Societies (RoS), which he said would prevent PN from using its coalition logo in the Melaka election.

“If necessary, BN could consider having ‘BN Plus’ candidates contest under the BN banner and logo to maintain the blue wave following the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections,” he said.

Gulam said such an arrangement could also demonstrate solidarity among parties aligned under the BN Plus concept in Melaka.