Melaka:Barisan Nasional (BN) is set to defend all 21 state seats it secured in the previous election while remaining open to discussions concerning the remaining seven seats in the upcoming Melaka state election.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasized that the coalition does not intend to relinquish any of its 21 seats to other parties. He stated that any negotiations would solely involve the seven seats not currently held by BN.

Ahmad Zahid, who is on a five-day working visit to China, mentioned that he has empowered Melaka Chief Minister and state BN chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh to finalize any cooperation arrangements post-nomination day.

In the 2021 state polls, BN emerged victorious in 21 out of the 28 seats in the State Legislative Assembly. Pakatan Harapan (PH) won five seats, while Perikatan Nasional (PN) secured two. The Election Commission has scheduled October 31 for nomination, November 10 for early voting, and November 14 for polling, following the dissolution of the State Assembly on September 23.