He said discussions are being held, and any decision would take into account the need to avoid multi-cornered fights, reported Sinar Harian.

“We are moving towards a decision and will announce it in due course, but we will not disregard the need to prevent seat overlaps,” he said after opening Melaka Umno branch meetings in Ayer Keroh today.

When asked about proposals to postpone the state assembly elections, Zahid quipped that he had “not heard” of such a move.

He said party machinery at all levels must remain prepared for both the state and general elections, adding that Umno should build on its previous electoral success.

Zahid said only 17% of voters in Melaka are Umno members, while about 63% are Malays, underscoring the need to engage a broader voter base.

“We must work hard to reach all groups to ensure continued support for the party,” he added.

Last month, Melaka Umno chief Ab Rauf Yusoh said the state polls could be held before the year ends.

Barisan Nasional leads the Melaka government while PH is part of the state administration, having been co-opted in 2023 following the formation of the federal unity government.

Umno Youth chief and Merlimau assemblyman Dr Akmal Saleh, an outspoken critic of Umno’s long-time rival DAP, has been pushing for BN to tie up with PAS instead.

In the 2021 state polls, BN won 21 seats while PH won five and Perikatan Nasional two. One Umno assemblyman, Jailani Khamis, left the party for PAS before the state’s anti-hopping law came into force.