SERDANG, Aug. 30 -- Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says formal negotiations with Pakatan Harapan (PH) on possible cooperation for the Melaka state election will begin only after the state assembly is dissolved.

He confirmed the matter but explained that the talks would be led by Melaka BN under Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, who has been tasked with negotiating and finalising any decisions, Berita Harian (BH) reported today.

The deputy prime minister, who is also Umno president, noted that only informal discussions between BN and PH have taken place so far.

He said Ab Rauf had already briefed the BN political bureau in Melaka, with details presented to the party's supreme council for further s...