Mahfuz said negotiations at this stage only involved four remaining seats, or about 10% of Kedah’s 36 state assembly seats, while distribution for the remaining 32 had been agreed upon, Sinar Harian reported.

He said the status quo was no longer the primary benchmark for seat distribution, adding that other factors that could contribute to victory for PH and BN candidates would be considered.

“There are areas where we maintain the status quo, meaning we won’t interfere with existing seats that we or BN have won. For example, PH won’t claim the Bandar Baharu or Sungai Tiang seats (which have been won by BN).

“For other seats, there is room to consider other factors that can ensure victory,” he was quoted as saying.

However, he did not reveal the formula that would guide seat distributions in the coming state election. Neither did he disclose the areas for which negotiations were ongoing.

“The areas that are still a secret cannot be revealed yet (but) I believe all 36 seats will be finalised by the Sultan of Kedah’s birthday (June 18),” he said.