BARISAN Nasional (BN) has predicted that it can win 18 of the 28 state seats in the Malacca elections, thus forming the state government on its own.

BN election director and deputy chairman Mohamad Hasan said this confidence is based on studies conducted by the coalition during the campaign period, apart from data that shows voters have consistently voted for the coalition from the 11th to the 14th general elections (GE14).

“If possible, we want to win 20 seats… we will try to retain the 13 seats (won in GE14), and our target is to add five more, making it 18 seats.

“If we can cross the line with 15 seats (a simple majority), we will be thankful to be able to form the government on our own.

“We must form the government on our own strength. This is so that we will not continue to be held to ransom by threats of withdrawal (of support). As long as such a situation persists, the government will not be stable.”

BN is contesting all 28 state seats in the Malacca elections, with Umno standing in 20 constituencies, MCA in seven and MIC in one.

On whether the coalition is willing to form the state government with any other party if it cannot get a majority, Mohamad said BN is prepared to explore this, and not just with Perikatan Nasional (PN).

“We are open to cooperating with anyone… not just PN. Why it that others can cooperate with all, but Umno is not allowed? Let us not shut the door tight.”

On Muafakat Nasional – a pact involving Umno and PAS – he said although both parties are not working together in the state elections, they can still cooperate in future.

PN and Pakatan Harapan are also contesting all 28 state seats.

The Election Commission has set polling day on November 20. – Bernama, November 16, 2021.