BN Keeps 21 Seats, PN Gets Seven in Melaka Polls

Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) have acknowledged an understanding to work together against Pakatan Harapan (PH) in Melaka’s Nov 14 state election. Even PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang accepted that BN will lead the fight.

BN-PN Understanding Takes Shape Against PH in Melaka

Caretaker chief minister Ab Rauf Yusoh kept his promise that BN will contest 21 seats. That leaves PN, led in practice by PAS, with seven. Four of these, Ayer Keroh, Kesidang, Kota Laksamana and Bandar Hilir, are known DAP strongholds.

The others are Paya Rumput, which BN won in 2021 by only 629 votes, Bukit Katil, held by Amanah, and Bemban, held by Wawasan’s Mohd Yadzil Yaakub.

Analysts suggest PAS is best suited to Paya Rumput and Bukit Katil, and that Gerakan and MIPP may suit the DAP-held seats better.

MCA is unhappy that it has only two of BN’s 21 seats, Machap Jaya and Kelebang. Bersatu, now sidelined from PN, has confirmed it will contest but is keeping its seats secret.

PH has no formal pact with Bersatu, and Bemban could see a three-cornered fight or more, with Bersama also eyeing 15 seats. Melaka’s 687,697 registered voters will decide on Nov 14.