KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA February 20, 2026 – AMANAH has welcomed the measured response from UMNO Deputy President Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (Tok Mat) regarding possible seat negotiations between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) for the upcoming state elections in Melaka and Johor, describing it as far more mature and sincere than previous statements.
In a media statement issued today, AMANAH Director of Communications Haji Khalid Abd Samad expressed gratitude to Tok Mat for openly stating that any decision on whether BN would cooperate with PH or contest independently has not yet been finalised. He contrasted this with remarks by another BN figure, Akmal, who appeared more inclined towards partnering with PAS and Perikatan Nasional (PN).
“Tok Mat’s answer is far more mature and sincere compared to previous responses,” Khalid said.
While AMANAH hopes the Unity Government cooperation forged after the 15th General Election (PRU-15) can continue for the sake of national stability, Khalid stressed that the final choice lies entirely with BN.
“The cooperation since PRU-15 has been excellent, full of give-and-take and sincerity. There is no reason for BN to reject this partnership,” he said, adding that PH had never engaged in betrayal, coercion or bullying throughout the alliance — unlike PAS and PN, which he described as “notorious for betrayal and coercion”.
Nevertheless, AMANAH is preparing for every possibility following Tok Mat’s clarification.
Khalid recalled the words of an Internal Security Act (ISA) officer during his past detention: “The knife is in your hand and the fruit is in your hand — whether you cut it nicely or chop it up is your choice.” He applied the same analogy to BN’s current position.
“BN has been treated well during this unity cooperation. Now it is up to them whether to continue or otherwise,” he said.
Khalid reiterated that AMANAH still hopes BN will value the sincerity shown by PH and allow it to shape their decision. At the same time, the party is already mobilising its election machinery to face either a three-cornered or two-cornered contest should BN choose to align with PAS/PN.
“This is not a warning or a challenge. It is simply a statement of fact,” he concluded.
The statement comes amid growing speculation about BN’s strategy ahead of the Melaka and Johor state polls, with observers watching closely to see whether the unity formula that has governed Malaysia since PRU-15 will be extended or abandoned.
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