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BN confident of retaining 21 Melaka seats, eyes seven more

Barisan Nasional has signalled it will defend all 21 seats won in the previous Melaka state election while pursuing gains in seven additional constituencies, according to coalition leadership.

LSN Malaysia · 15 October 2026

KUALA LUMPUR — Barisan Nasional has mapped out an ambitious electoral strategy for Melaka, pledging to hold onto the 21 state assembly seats it secured in the previous election while aggressively targeting seven additional constituencies.

The coalition's position reflects confidence in its political standing in the southern state, where BN has sought to consolidate support and expand its parliamentary footprint ahead of anticipated electoral contests.

BN's focus on defending existing strongholds while pressing into contested areas underscores the coalition's strategy to strengthen its presence at the state level. The move comes as political parties across Malaysia continue positioning themselves for electoral opportunities in key states.

The Melaka initiative represents part of BN's broader efforts to reclaim influence in state assemblies following setbacks in recent national and state elections. Party leadership has emphasised the importance of grassroots engagement and voter outreach in the targeted constituencies.

Analysts suggest the coalition's pursuit of the additional seven seats reflects assessments of shifting voter preferences and demographic changes across Melaka's electoral landscape. The strategy will be tested through voter sentiment and campaign effectiveness in the run-up to any electoral exercise.