Win first, settle after: Zambry tells BN parties to focus on Melaka race

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir (right) attends the opening of the Pangkor Lifelong Learning Excellence Centre at Kolej Komuniti Manjung on Pangkor Island on October 25, 2026. — Bernama pic

First Published: Monday, 26 Oct 2026 11:59 AM MYT

LUMUT, Oct 25 — All parties in Barisan Nasional (BN) must prioritise securing victory for the coalition in the 16th Melaka state election rather than dwelling on differences over seat allocations.

BN secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said all component parties should focus on winning the 21 seats allocated to BN, in line with the consensus reached.

“We believe in the spirit of discussion. It is natural for different parties to have their own views during the candidate selection process and similar discussions.

“Regardless of the decisions made, the main focus must remain on winning the 21 seats contested by BN,” he told reporters after officiating the Lifelong Learning Excellence Centre (PSH Excellence) at Manjung Community College on Pangkor Island today.

Yesterday, Bernama reported that MCA would not recognise any of its members announced as BN candidates for the Melaka state election without the approval of the party’s top leadership.

MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong was reported to have said that announcing candidates without consulting the party or obtaining its consent was unacceptable, particularly amid allegations that seats previously contested by MCA had been allocated to other parties.

Media reports had earlier quoted BN chairman and Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as saying that negotiations on a political understanding with PAS had been finalised, with BN set to contest 21 seats while seven others had been allocated to PAS and its political allies.

The Election Commission (EC) has set Oct 31 for nomination day, Nov 10 for early voting and Nov 14 as polling day for the 16th Melaka state election. — Bernama