MELAKA - Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi wants a decision on political cooperation for the Melaka state election (PRN) to be announced soon.
Ahmad Zahid said this was important to allow the party machinery, particularly young members, to make preparations for the election.
He also gave Melaka chief minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh the mandate to negotiate and choose a partner capable of helping Barisan Nasional (BN) secure victory.
"Datuk Rauf, use this support from the young people to continue stabilising Melaka's politics.
"Give them the opportunity. Announce it quickly! Don't wait too long! The sooner, the better! Our young people are ready! Everyone is ready for the blue wave, the blue gang," he said in his speech at the closing ceremony of the Anak Muda Carnival Motorcade Convoy at MITC here on Sunday.
Zahid said the chosen partner must have loyalty and sincerity in ensuring BN's victory.
"Datuk Rauf, I've given you the mandate — negotiate carefully. Choose a partner that is loyal, one that can deliver victory for us! Choose a partner that is sincere and honest with us!
"Choose a partner that says the same thing behind your back as they do to your face! Not one that says one thing to your face and another behind your back," he said.
He said BN had previously proven its ability to contest solo and win the support of the Melaka people.
"Back then, we proved it by going solo — we made the decision, and the people of Melaka stood with us in that blue wave.
"Datuk Rauf, negotiate carefully and look after the interests of the Melaka people," he said.
Meanwhile, Zahid is targeting for BN to defend at least 21 seats in the upcoming Melaka state election.
"Not less than 21 seats! The remaining seven seats, we don't mind giving those up.
"This is not a political campaign, this is a youth campaign. Because it is the young people who will determine the rise or fall of the state of Melaka.
"That said, I'm confident it's not just the young people — all Melaka voters are already in the mood for the Blue Wave and Blue Gang in the state of Melaka!" he said.