Melaka may be first to see Pakatan Nasional gov’t, claims PKR leader

(Malaysiakini) – Melaka could be the first state to witness the formation of a Pakatan Nasional government, alleged state PKR leader G Rajendran (pic).

He claimed that several PKR and Bersatu leaders in Malacca were holding talks on forming a new state government together with Umno.

“I can confirm there have been discussions to replace Chief Minister Adly Zahari with a state executive council member.

“I have also heard there have been talks with Umno to form a new state government known as Pakatan Nasional,” he told Malaysiakini.

The Malacca PKR communications director said while Pakatan Nasional has just surfaced at the federal level, this, however, has been discussed in the state since last October.

“So I predict that Melaka may be the first to witness this new alliance.

“From what I have heard, there are still two unresolved issues. The first is Umno is said to be asking for the chief minister post if Pakatan Nasional materialises. But PKR and Bersatu leaders are not in favour of this.

“The PKR and Bersatu leaders are still awaiting directives from their respective national leaders regarding the next move,” he added.

At present, Pakatan Harapan controls the Melaka state government with a tenuous two-seat majority. Harapan has 15 seats whereas BN, 13.

Among the Harapan parties, DAP has the most number of seats with eight, PKR three whereas Amanah and Bersatu have two each. As for BN, all 13 seats belong to Umno.

Meanwhile, Rajendran was unable to confirm the allegation that Melaka Bersatu deputy chief Mohd Rafiq Naizamohideen has been repeatedly absent from meetings involving the state leadership.

“I have heard that an exco has not been attending the meetings and also withdrew himself from a WhatsApp group for excos. But I am not sure,” he replied when quizzed on the matter.

Malaysiakini has contacted Rafiq, the chief minister and other state leaders for comments.

Last October, Rafiq landed in the limelight over a meeting he held with several Umno state assemblypersons.

This led to speculations of a potential coup but Rafiq claimed the discussion centred on developments for Melaka .

Following this, Melaka Bersatu chief Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof said his party is 100 percent behind the chief minister, who is from Amanah.

The formation of a new coalition involving PAS and Umno made headlines earlier this month when Umno supreme council member Lokman Adam leaked an audio recording.

He said the recording was of Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi attempting to persuade party leaders to work with Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who is the chairperson of Bersatu.

PAS, on the other hand, is planning to table a vote of confidence for Mahathir to remain in office until the end of his term instead of passing the baton to PKR president Anwar Ibrahim as agreed earlier.

Last week, Anwar said the transition plan would be finalised at this Friday’s Harapan presidential council meeting whereas Mahathir reiterated that he would step down after the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in November.