Kuala lumpur: UMNO will begin formal negotiations on possible cooperation with any party for the Melaka state election after the state legislative assembly is dissolved, said its president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He said Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh would lead the negotiations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid stated, "We have entrusted the matter to Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh, and I believe he will hold formal discussions once the Melaka legislative assembly is dissolved." He noted that while there may be informal discussions at the moment, formal negotiations will only take place after the dissolution.

The Deputy Prime Minister addressed media inquiries regarding UMNO's stance on potential cooperation with Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the upcoming Melaka state election. Ahmad Zahid mentioned that he had discussions with the entire UMNO Melaka Political Bureau, which had presented the party's preparations for the state election.

He further explained that the presentation was subsequently brought before the UMNO Supreme Council (MKT) for a detailed discussion of data gathered through UMNO Melaka's war room.