Melaka: Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has granted Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh the mandate to engage in cooperative negotiations with any party for the forthcoming Melaka state election. Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister, emphasized the importance of selecting a sincere and honest partner to ensure BN's continued leadership in the state administration for the next term.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid urged Datuk Rauf to carefully choose a partner who is loyal and capable of securing victory for BN. He emphasized the need for a partner who is transparent and consistent in their dealings, stating, "Choose a partner who is sincere and honest with us, one who speaks the same behind our backs as to our face, not a partner who says one thing in front and does another behind our back."

Ahmad Zahid made these remarks during the closing ceremony of the Melaka Youth Carnival 2026, held at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) parking grounds in Ayer Keroh. The event was also attended by Ab Rauf.

Additionally, Ahmad Zahid reminded Melaka BN to defend the 21 state seats they secured in the previous election. In the 2021 Melaka state election, BN won 21 seats, while Pakatan Harapan (PH) secured five, and Perikatan Nasional (PN) obtained two. The current term of the Melaka State Assembly is set to conclude this December.