KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 — Barisan Nasional (BN) is in the final stages of seat negotiations for the Melaka state election, with the coalition aiming to defend the 21 state constituencies it secured in the previous polls.

Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the remaining deliberations focus on the seven remaining seats across the 28-seat state legislative assembly, with potential seat swaps actively under consideration, NST reported.

“The negotiations have reached 90 per cent completion, with only 10 per cent remaining. In other words, we have agreed on the basic framework.

“There are seven more seats that we will discuss, including the possibility of seat swaps.

“We cannot deny the grassroots’ desire to see ‘perpaduan ummah’, particularly between the two largest Malay political parties, become a reality,” he told reporters after officiating the closing of the 2026 MRSM Bintang Media programme today.

While Asyraf declined to openly disclose the negotiating partners pending final agreement, his comments directly addressed the discussions between Umno and PAS.

Asked whether current talks appeared to lean favourably towards PAS, Asyraf cautioned that any working electoral pact must be anchored in mutual sincerity and trust.

“If we are friends, we must be genuine friends. Do not befriend someone only to stab them in the back.

“Do not appear friendly in front of them while intimidating them behind their backs through various means that are unbecoming of partners,” he said.

His remarks follow statements on Oct 2 by PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, who said that electoral discussions between the two parties for the Melaka state election were in the final phase, having reached 90 per cent consensus.

The Election Commission (EC) has fixed Nov 14 as polling day for the 16th Melaka state election, with nominations to take place on Oct 31.