He said the involvement of Perikatan Nasional (PN) could tip the balance in Melaka, which is gearing up for an expected state election this year, as well as in other states.

“Malay interests will be better served if PN and Umno work together,” the Bersatu Supreme Council member told FMT.

He was responding to a call by Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh for Umno and PAS to join forces for the upcoming election in Melaka.

Akmal had warned that political fragmentation among Malay parties would weaken their influence, even in Malay-majority constituencies.

Previous efforts at cooperation between Umno and PAS were made through the Muafakat Nasional (MN) alliance signed in 2019. The pact ended in 2022 when PAS decided to work with Bersatu to form PN.

Calls to revive MN were reignited in the last few months, but these were rejected by Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Yadzil, the opposition leader in the Melaka state assembly, said a PN-Umno alliance could make mixed constituencies more winnable.

“These are the seats that can boost the tally for both PN and Umno,” said the Bemban assemblyman.

In the 2021 Melaka election, Umno won 17 seats, MCA two and MIC one, while Bersatu managed just two. BN later formed a government with Pakatan Harapan, including four DAP assemblymen and one from Amanah.

PAS gained a seat in 2023 when former Umno assemblyman Jailani Khamis joined the party.

The Melaka state assembly is due to dissolve by December this year.