PAYA RUMPUT – Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called on BN and Perikatan Nasional (PN) to put aside their past political differences, describing the 16th Melaka state election as a starting point for stronger cooperation that could eventually extend to the national level.
Zahid, who is also Umno president said the two coalitions should look beyond the Nov 14 polls and work towards building a broader political alliance, particularly if they secure a strong majority in the state election.
"After Nov 14, as BN chairman, if BN and PN are blessed with victory, InsyaAllah the Melaka government will also involve PN in its formation.
"Let us put aside our past differences. We should not stop at Melaka because we have a much bigger task ahead of us.
"If we secure a strong majority in the state legislative assembly, particularly in the seats we are contesting, it will demonstrate that BN and PN can reach a consensus and move forward together towards building a new political home at the national level," he said last night at the BN-PN Grand Finale ceramah at Kampung Krubong, here.
The Deputy Prime Minister added that the cooperation reflected the willingness of both coalitions to move beyond their previous political disagreements in pursuit of greater unity among Muslims.
He described Melaka as an important starting point for strengthening ties between the two political blocs, with the potential to establish a wider partnership at the national level.
"This bigger home is one that we are building for the entire ‘ummah’. It is a home that brings together our shared aspirations without sidelining other religions, races, cultures or languages.
"Pas has demonstrated through its policies that it is capable of reaching out to people of different religions and ethnic backgrounds,” he said.
The Election Commission (EC) has set Nov 14 as polling day for the 16th Melaka state election, following the dissolution of the 28-seat State Legislative Assembly on Sept 23.
Nomination day was held on Oct 31, while early voting took place on Nov 10. The 14-day campaigning period will end at 11.59pm on Nov 13.
A total of 79 candidates are contesting all 28 state constituencies, with a coalition requiring at least 15 seats to secure a simple majority and form the state government.