Malacca state polls: PN deregistration threat won’t halt BN negotiations, says Rauf
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Source: Malaysiakini · September 24, 2026 at 9:59 PM · AI-assisted report
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MALACCA, 25 SEPTEMBER 2026 —
Malacca Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh says Perikatan Nasional’s potential deregistration by the Registrar of Societies will not hinder Barisan Nasional’s efforts to negotiate a political understanding ahead of the state’s upcoming polls.
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The move by the Registrar of Societies (ROS) to suspend all activities of Perikatan Nasional (PN) amid its potential deregistration does not prevent BN from engaging in talks for the Malacca state elections, Rauf said. He noted that PN comprises multiple parties, including PAS, which will continue to exist independently even if the coalition is deregistered.
"We will not make any decisions based on PN’s current developments," Rauf told New Straits Times, adding that BN will wait for negotiations to determine the form of cooperation.
Rauf, who is also the Malacca BN chairperson, clarified that the suspension of PN’s activities does not eliminate the possibility of political dialogue. "PN is a coalition of several parties, and those parties will still exist during an election," he said. He stressed that BN’s approach remains focused on establishing a working arrangement rather than being influenced by PN’s administrative status.
The BN leader also dismissed concerns that deregistering PN without Bersatu would leave only PAS, stating that the coalition’s dissolution would not alter the need for political negotiations.
The Registrar of Societies’ decision to suspend PN follows a warning issued earlier this week, with the coalition accusing the move of being a politically motivated attack. PN has since issued a gag order against the Registrar of Societies, demanding an explanation for the suspension. Meanwhile, BN has maintained its stance that it will engage with relevant parties to secure a political understanding for the Malacca polls, regardless of PN’s legal status.
For Malaysia, the development shows the fluid nature of political alliances ahead of the Malacca state elections, where BN and PN remain key contenders. The potential deregistration of PN could force BN to directly engage with its constituent parties, particularly PAS, which remains a significant player in the state’s political landscape.
The next steps will depend on whether ROS proceeds with the deregistration and how PN responds, with both sides expected to clarify their positions in the coming days.
Related: Ab Rauf Yusoh · Malacca