Barisan Nasional (BN) in Melaka has expressed willingness to engage in formal negotiations with other political parties ahead of the upcoming state election but has urged that talks not be conducted through social media to avoid negative public perceptions.

Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, Melaka BN chief, emphasized that any potential collaborations will be considered through official channels. He stated that the coalition plans to issue formal letters inviting interested parties to submit detailed proposals on how they could serve as strategic partners. These submissions will then be reviewed internally before any decisions are made.

“We are neither closing the door completely nor opening it wide for negotiations,” Ab Rauf said, highlighting BN’s openness while maintaining a cautious stance. He reiterated that cooperation would not come at the expense of BN’s current seat holdings, emphasizing the coalition’s intention to defend all 21 seats it won in the 2021 state election.

At a September 22 event marking the National Environment Day, Ab Rauf’s comments were delivered alongside Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, his deputy Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, and Melaka State Secretary Datuk Salhah Salleh.

Barisan Nasional currently holds a strong majority in the Melaka Legislative Assembly, having secured 21 of the 28 seats in the 2021 election. Pakatan Harapan holds five seats, while Perikatan Nasional has two. The current state government’s term, which began on November 20, 2021, is set to expire on December 26, 2026.

Reports suggest the state assembly may be dissolved imminently, possibly as early as September 23, following Ab Rauf’s earlier indication on September 16 that dissolution was pending “one more Friday.” This move would pave the way for the next state election, where BN aims to maintain its dominance without compromising its existing seat allocations despite potential coalition talks.