Bersatu, Harapan reps downplay closed-door meeting ahead of Malacca polls

Pakatan Harapan and Bersatu leaders converged in Malacca for a meeting last night ahead of a looming state election, which is expected to feature political alliances.

The closed-door dinner at a hotel along Jalan Hang Tuah, held in conjunction with a pre-state polls programme, is understood to have been organised by Bersatu, with the party declining to invite BN representatives.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, Malacca PKR acting chief Adam Adli Abdul Halim said Harapan leaders' presence at the event was merely to fulfil the invitations extended by Bersatu.

He also confirmed that he had attended the event to represent DAP's Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong and Amanah's Alor Gajah MP Adly Zahari, who he said were unable to make it for the "ice-breaking session".

READ MORE: Muhyiddin says Bersatu open to pacts as Malacca Harapan confirms talks

However, Adam downplayed the significance of the event, insisting that Harapan's leaders were merely maintaining cordial ties with other political entities.

"(In Malacca), Harapan will contest only (as) Harapan...there were no negotiations - we will have our own terms and conditions," said Adam, who is also the deputy higher education minister.

"Even if PAS invited us (for a gathering session), we would show up."

'Yet to commence'

Similarly, Harapan communications director Fahmi Fadzil affirmed that the coalition has yet to commence official talks with Bersatu on an alliance for the Malacca polls.

Stressing that the Harapan presidential council makes the final decision on political cooperation, the communications minister said he has no information about last night's event beyond what the media has reported.

Meanwhile, Bersatu information chief Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz said the session last night, which he attended, was an opportunity for party representatives to get to know each other and exchange views.

"As far as meeting, eating, chatting, and exchanging views go, there have also been meetings with leaders from other parties, including Umno.

"(However), negotiations are discussed at a different level where any decision will be discussed and decided by the supreme council," he told Malaysiakini.

Tun Faisal (above) reiterated that Bersatu remains open to accepting offers of cooperation from any party, as long as such pacts do not sacrifice Bersatu's principles and the interests of the people, state, and nation.

Also reportedly present at last night's event were Bersatu supreme council member R Sanjeevan, Malacca Bersatu information chief Hishamuddin Abdul Karim, and Putra president Ibrahim Ali.

BN chairperson and Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi previously said the coalition will defend all the seats it previously won in the upcoming Malacca state election.

READ MORE: Why PN is willing to kow-tow to BN in Malacca even if it means winning just 3 seats

Tense relations

During the Aug 1 polls when BN and PAS established cooperation, Bersatu was left to contest under its own logo instead of the Perikatan Nasional flag after seat negotiations with the Islamist party stalled.

Despite persistent talks on the potential of another electoral pact between BN and PAS-led PN, neither side has confirmed such an alliance for the Malacca polls yet.

Bersatu's tense relations with PAS have only soured over time, particularly amid the Registrar of Societies' warning that the coalition could be deregistered.

Prior to its dissolution, the Malacca state assembly (above) consisted of 21 BN assemblypersons, namely 18 Umno representatives, two from MCA, and a sole assemblyperson from MIC.

The assembly also featured five Harapan assemblypersons (four from DAP and one from Amanah), as well as two Bersatu representatives.

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