Melaka: Melaka Barisan Nasional (BN) is open to cooperating with any party under a BN Plus formula for the upcoming state election, its chairman and Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said. Ab Rauf, who is also Melaka UMNO liaison committee chairman, stated that the party welcomed discussions with any political party interested in working together for the state polls.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ab Rauf emphasized that negotiations are open to all, but they do not guarantee a final agreement as outcomes depend on each party's strengths. He clarified, "So, we are not bound by any arrangement that has yet to be formally established as a final coalition, but I am open to everyone who wishes to negotiate with me." Ab Rauf shared these remarks while speaking to reporters after the Jelajah Ketua Menteri Sayang Rakyat (MeSRa) programme at the Telok Mas State Constituency Development and Coordination Committee (Japerun) Complex.

BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi mentioned yesterday that the successful cooperation between the coalition and Perikatan Nasional (PN) in forming the Negeri Sembilan state government would encourage them to maintain their winning momentum in the forthcoming Melaka state election.

Additionally, Ab Rauf extended his congratulations to Juasseh assemblyman Datuk Ismail Lasim on his appointment as the new Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar following the state's 16th election. He expressed optimism that Ismail would effectively carry out his responsibilities and deliver on the election manifesto's promises.

Ismail managed to retain the Juasseh seat with a 4,091-vote majority after securing 6,907 votes, surpassing Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Mohd Aidil Abdullah, who polled 2,816 votes, and Bersatu candidate Mohd Zuhaimi Md Yusof, who garnered 506 votes. The election results saw BN winning 18 state seats, PH 11, and PN seven, enabling BN and PN to form the Negeri Sembilan state government.