“We accept this result as part of the democratic process and as an opportunity to strengthen our efforts moving forward,” Adly Zahari said, according to local media platform The New Straits Times.
The Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional alliance secured a landslide victory in the Melaka state polls, dealing another major electoral setback to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's federal administration.
The outcome on Saturday marks the second major joint success for the BN-PN pact following their electoral partnership in the Negeri Sembilan state election in August. Political analysts note the decisive results strengthen arguments within both coalitions to maintain their cooperation ahead of Malaysia’s next general election.
Heading into the Melaka contest, the BN-PN alliance held a commanding position as the overwhelming favourite. Polling firm ILHAM Centre identified 24 seats where the coalition maintained a clear lead just one day before voters cast their ballots.
The defeat raises fresh questions regarding Prime Minister Anwar’s ability to stem declining support for Pakatan Harapan, particularly among Malay voters. The setback arrives as his unity government approaches its fourth anniversary in power.
Electoral momentum from the Melaka polls could also encourage leaders across BN and PN to advocate for an early general election to capitalize on their current standing. Malaysia’s next general election must be held by February 2028.
The Melaka election unfolded against a backdrop of simmering friction between Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional. While both remain partners in the federal unity government, they competed against one another in the state contest.
Underlying tensions sharpened recently following the decision to place former prime minister Najib Razak under house arrest. The controversial move exposed ideological divides between supporters of the two allied federal factions.
To avoid splitting the conservative Malay electorate, BN and PN structured their campaign carefully across Melaka’s 28 state seats. BN contested 23 constituencies, while PN fielded candidates in the remaining five.
Meanwhile, Pakatan Harapan contested 24 seats. In a strategic shift, the coalition avoided direct clashes with Bersatu in four specific constituencies, which analysts interpreted as a tentative effort to mend relations with the Malay-based party that exited PH in 2020.
Despite the broader political realignment, incumbent Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh is slated to return to office after steering BN through a successful campaign.
Conversely, Pakatan Harapan suffered a high-profile casualty when its chief minister candidate, Adly Zahari, lost his seat in Bukit Katil after serving two terms. Adly was defeated by Perikatan Nasional candidate Muhammad Ridzuan Mohd Sarif.
“PH has always believed that election results are influenced by various dynamics, and there is always room for improvement in the future,” Adly told The New Straits Times following the confirmation of the results.
