Melaka polls: Pakatan considering contesting all 28 seats, says Amirudin

MELAKA: Pakatan Harapan is considering contesting all 28 seats in the coming Melaka polls if circumstances require it to expand beyond its initial target of 18 to 21 constituencies.

Pakatan election director Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the option remained under consideration, with the final decision resting with the coalition’s presidential council.

“We are almost certain to contest around 18 to 21 seats.

"However, if circumstances require it, we may contest all 28 seats and that is being considered,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters at the launch of Pakatan’s main operations room in Bukit Baru here on Thursday (Oct 8).

Amirudin said Pakatan had prepared comprehensive plans for both contesting independently and working with other parties.

He said negotiations with Barisan Nasional remained open, although reaching an agreement was proving difficult.

“Discussions with Barisan are still open, although finding the key to unlock an agreement is rather difficult,” he said.

Amirudin said the coalition’s component parties would decide on their respective candidates, while Pakatan aimed to increase its tally of seats in the state assembly.

He added that there was still room for political developments before the central leadership made its decision.

“There is still another week. Even 24 hours is a long time in politics, and all sorts of things can happen.

“We are preparing as best we can for every possibility and awaiting the central leadership’s decision,” he added.