PN open to working with BN in Melaka state election - Dr Sam

KUALA TERENGGANU – Perikatan Nasional (PN) is keeping its options open for the upcoming Melaka state election, including the possibility of working with Barisan Nasional (BN), says its chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar.

Samsuri, who is also known as Dr Sam, said PN had several approaches it could consider and that any decision would be discussed collectively with all parties within the coalition.

"We have various options. We will discuss the next steps together within PN.

"So far, we have not officially discussed with any party. We have just finished the Negeri Sembilan state election, so we need to take a little time," he said.

He was speaking to reporters after officiating the 2026 World Ranger Day celebration at the Terengganu state level at Wisma Darul Iman here on Monday.

Dr Sam said continuing political cooperation with BN was among the options that could be considered by the PN leadership, amid speculation over the coalition's strategy for the Melaka election.

He said PN's immediate priority was to allow its leadership and party machinery some time to regroup following the recently concluded Negeri Sembilan state election before determining its next move.

"We have not officially discussed with any party, no formal negotiations had yet taken place with BN or other political parties,” he added.

The comments come after Pas secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said Pas was prepared to negotiate with Umno over seat allocations for the Melaka state election.

Takiyuddin had said the discussions could include reconsidering seats won by Pas during the 15th General Election, with negotiations expected to take place soon although no specific date had been set.

He also clarified that discussions at the Pas and PN levels currently did not involve Bersatu.

For now, Dr Sam said PN would take time to assess its options before making any formal announcement on its strategy for the Melaka state election.