3 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Jasin Umno passes resolution to end seat negotiations for Melaka polls
JASIN: The Jasin Umno division has passed a resolution to close the door on negotiations with any parties within the unity government over the allocation of state seats for the next Melaka state election, expected to be held next year.
The special resolution, read out by the division's information chief Zulkifli Kalil, also stated that all seats currently held by Barisan Nasional (BN) must be contested again by the coalition in the coming polls.
He said the resolution was significant as it would serve as a benchmark for Umno and BN in Melaka, which secured a landslide majority in the last state election by winning 21 out of 28 state seats.
"The Pakatan Harapan (PH) leadership in Melaka must understand that Umno and BN are drawing strength from the unity government at the federal level.
"As such, this 'new home' that we have built together must remain strong... It must not be torn apart or cause hurt to the hearts of the Malays who have remained loyal in the struggle for religion, race, and country," he said.
Echoing the spirit and pledge of Melaka Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh and Jasin Umno division chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, Zulkifli stressed that the 21 seats currently held by BN must be defended at all costs.
"There will be no discussions or negotiations over these seats. This is final," he said.
The resolution was supported by 630 delegates during the Jasin Umno division delegates' meeting at Dewan Alamanda here today.
The meeting was launched by Ab Rauf, who is also the Chief Minister, and attended by Dr Akmal, who is also Umno Youth chief.
It was previously reported on the controversy surrounding seat-sharing negotiations between BN and PH in Melaka, following a resolution by the state DAP proposing a 14 BN plus 14 PH seat strategy for the next state election.
In response, Dr Akmal reminded PH in Melaka not to expect to contest seats currently held by BN, stressing that BN, which dominates the Melaka state assembly, will not give up its seats to PH.
Melaka has a total of 28 state constituencies, with BN holding 21, PH five, and two Perikatan Nasional (PN).
The current Melaka state assembly term is set to end in November next year.
