From exiting govt to seat talks: Akmal mocks PH over U-turn on Melaka BN cooperation

MELAKA - Pakatan Harapan's (PH) seemingly inconsistent stance on political cooperation with Barisan Nasional (BN) in the state has drawn sarcasm from Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh.

In a Facebook post on Aug 9, Akmal highlighted two statements by PH that appeared to contradict its earlier position.

"July 2026, Melaka PH decides to exit the government. August 2026, wants to discuss joint seat negotiations. How does this even happen?" he said briefly.

The two shared statements referenced Melaka PH's announcement to withdraw from the state government last July and a recent statement by PKR Information chief Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil on Aug 9, stating that PH welcomed BN's willingness to negotiate seat distribution for the Melaka state election.

On July 15, Melaka PH announced it was withdrawing support for the state government administration after disagreeing with amendments to the State Constitution regarding the appointment of nominated state assemblymen.

Meanwhile, Fahmi, who is also Communications Minister, said on Aug 9 that PH welcomed BN's readiness to hold talks on seat distribution for the upcoming state election.

This development raises questions about the future direction of PH-BN political ties in Melaka ahead of the state election, which must be held before the state assembly term ends on Dec 30.

The Melaka state election is expected to be a battleground for several political coalitions, with speculation suggesting it could be held as early as October.

Melaka has 28 state seats. BN won 21 seats in the 2021 Melaka state election, while PH secured five seats and Perikatan Nasional (PN) won two.