No deal with Pakatan: Azmin says Bersatu preparing to contest Melaka polls alone
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 30 — Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia has ruled out working with Pakatan Harapan (PH) or any other political party in the Melaka state election, with secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali saying the party is preparing to contest on its own.
Azmin also said Bersatu intended to contest under its own logo, as it did in the Negeri Sembilan state election, Berita Harian reported today.
He said the party was now drawing up its election strategy and preparing its machinery for a solo campaign.
“Bersatu has not made any decision to cooperate with any party.
“The focus now is on reviewing preparations for election operations in several key areas,” he was quoted as saying.
Azmin’s remarks came amid speculation over a possible electoral arrangement with PH after senior figures from the two sides attended a private dinner in Melaka on Monday.
He said the meeting had no connection to Bersatu’s official position and was instead attended by those involved in their personal capacities.
“The meeting has nothing to do with the position of the Bersatu Political Bureau. It was a meeting held in a personal capacity,” he said.
Berita Harian reported yesterday that several Bersatu leaders had met senior Melaka PH figures at a closed-door dinner held in conjunction with a pre-election programme at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
Among those present were Bersatu information chief Datuk Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz, Melaka Bersatu election director Datuk Seri Mohamad Ali Mohamad, Bersatu associate wing chief Datuk Seri R Sanjeevan and Melaka Bersatu information chief Datuk Seri Hishamiddin Abdul Karim.
The meeting fuelled speculation about possible cooperation between the two blocs as parties negotiate their arrangements ahead of the state election.
Melaka PH chairman Adly Zahari had said earlier this month that the coalition was holding talks with parties sharing similar aspirations, including Bersatu, over a possible “PH Plus” arrangement.
PH election director Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari subsequently described such an arrangement as more likely to take the form of an electoral understanding than a formal coalition.
The Melaka state assembly was dissolved on September 23. The Election Commission is due to meet on October 7 to determine the key dates for the election.
