BN is set to hold talks with two groups ahead of the Malacca state election, while Perikatan Nasional said its negotiations with BN are progressing despite the coalition’s suspension.

The talks come as PN weighs its options for the polls after the Registrar of Societies (ROS) barred it from using its logo.

BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the coalition would meet the two groups separately next week but declined to name them.

“We’ve only just reached the discussion stage. How can I reveal it now?

“Let’s discuss it first. We’ll let (Malacca BN chief) Ab Rauf (Yusoh) know,” Sinar Harian reported Zahid as saying at a programme in Ayer Keroh.

Asked which group was closest to an agreement with BN, Zahid said the coalition would weigh its options.

“We must weigh the potential harm against what is reasonable, and see which carries more weight.

“As a political coalition under the BN name, we naturally want to consider the medium- and long-term benefits for the country and, particularly, for our coalition.”

Asked whether BN would negotiate with PAS given PN’s suspension by the ROS, Zahid (above) said the decision was up to PN’s leaders.

“I leave that to PN’s secretary-general and chairperson to decide, but we would be more comfortable dealing with an individual party than with a coalition that has fallen apart,” he said.

READ MORE: We'll work with PAS, not 'parti kucing' Wawasan, Umno delegate tells Zahid

So far, Pakatan Harapan has also left the door open to cooperation with BN.

Harapan election director Amirudin Shari (above) said on Sept 21 that the coalition was awaiting clarity on BN’s position and was prepared to contest on its own.

Two days later, Bernama reported Prime Minister and Harapan chairperson Anwar Ibrahim as saying no decision has been made, adding that ongoing talks also involved Bersatu.

Discussions ongoing

PN secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan, meanwhile, said negotiations with BN were more than halfway complete and had not been affected by the suspension.

“What I can mention is that PN’s suspension has not affected negotiations between PN and BN. Discussions are continuing as usual.

“The number of seats we will get has not been decided, but the negotiations and discussions have been positive.

“We are positive and optimistic that we can carry out the Malay-Muslim unity agenda in Malacca,” Berita Harian reported Takiyuddin (above) as saying at a programme in Bunut Payong, Kota Bharu.

The Malacca state assembly was dissolved on Wednesday. In the 2021 state election, BN won 21 of the 28 seats, while Harapan won five and PN two.

Takiyuddin said PN could use the PAS logo in the election if its suspension remains in effect.

He also said PAS had no objection to other PN parties using its logo, while Bersatu could contest under its own.

“So, the parties (in PN) do not necessarily have to use their own logos. They can use any party’s logo to show they are united.

“What is wrong with using the logo of one party in the coalition such as PAS? Other parties can use it too. There is no legal prohibition against it.

“This is one of the options available to us if PN remains suspended,” he said, adding that PN was preparing an official response to the ROS within two weeks.

The ROS suspended all PN activities effective Sept 23 and asked the coalition to explain a complaint submitted by Bersatu.