KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 1 -- Seat-sharing disputes in Johor and Melaka should be handled privately and with discretion rather than aired in public, Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan has cautioned, saying that open quarrels risk unsettling the unity government.

Speaking to Sinar Harian, the Johor Umno deputy chief said his party was prepared to discuss the issue if approached, but insisted it must happen through the proper channels and at the right moment.

"I am waiting for the green light to discuss this. I do not like public quarrels. In good public communication, we should not be shouting here and there. We are one family.

"In my view, representatives from Amanah at both the federal and state levels can sit down with us to discuss.

"We need to neg...