BN-PN understanding at a good level, says Ab Rauf [WATCH]

MELAKA: Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) will unveil a joint manifesto for the first time today in conjunction with the 16th Melaka State Election, aiming to secure more than 21 of the 28 State Legislative Assembly seats.

Melaka BN chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the manifesto would serve as a comprehensive pledge offering substantial benefits to the people of the state.

"This manifesto will certainly deliver returns to the people. Much like our 2021 manifesto, we have fulfilled nearly 90 per cent of what was pledged.

"As this is the first manifesto combined with PN, I cannot provide any teasers just yet, as it is still in the final stages of refinement before being presented to the public this Friday (tomorrow)," he said.

He said this during a recording session of the Podcast Utama Edisi Khas Buletin TV3 for the 16th Melaka State Election.

Commenting on the cooperation between the two coalitions, Ab Rauf said the mutual understanding between BN and PN not only encompasses the coordination of campaign machinery, but also extends to policy formulation.

"We see that the understanding between BN and PN is very strong. This rapport has been translated into cohesive campaign machinery, unified voter engagement, and well-aligned policy-making.

"If you ask me, this is a solid consensus aimed at safeguarding the welfare of the people," he said.

Ab Rauf added that BN has set a baseline target of 21 seats for the state election, with aspirations to increase that tally through cooperation with strategic partners.

"The baseline is 21 seats, and we will endeavour to improve upon that to secure more than 21 seats through our strategic partners who have been fielded to contest," he said.

However, when asked about potential post-election portfolio allocations should the coalition secure the mandate, he declined to make any premature announcements.

"I cannot disclose that at this juncture because we must win first," he said.

Ab Rauf stressed that the immediate priority is ensuring that the pact between both coalitions translates into achieving the seat targets set for the polls.