Umno’s Lokman Noor Adam states GE16 seat decisions rest with the coalition secretariat, with status quo on held seats expected despite early party interest.
PETALING JAYA: Umno supreme council member Datuk Lokman Noor Adam says GE16 seat allocations within the Unity government would be decided collectively by its secretariat, despite parties signalling early interest.
He said it was normal for parties to signal interest in contesting specific constituencies prior to the election, emphasising that there is a standing mutual understanding among component parties in the Madani administration to maintain the status quo of seats currently held.
He added that each party that won a given seat in the last general election would retain the right to contest that same seat in the upcoming election.
“Before the general election, all parties are free to apply for or express interest in any seats they consider suitable.
“That is a standard practice in political negotiations,” he told theSun.
“However, we have a shared understanding that any seat currently won by a party within the Madani government will remain contested by that same party in the next election.”
He said any deviation from the arrangement would only occur through mutual agreement, particularly in cases in which strategic seat swaps are deemed beneficial.
“Exceptions can only be made if, during seat allocation negotiations, the parties involved agree to a swap. Even then, it must be based on consensus.”
He emphasised that the allocation process is not determined unilaterally, but through collective agreement at the highest level of the coalition, adding that the secretariat – comprising leaders of all component parties in the Unity government – would make the final decision.
“Ultimately, the decision on who contests which seat will be determined by the secretariat.
“It is the highest decision-making platform to ensure consensus.”
Lokman also cautioned against adopting rigid positions too early in the process, adding that political negotiations often require flexibility and compromise.
“There is nothing wrong with stating one’s aspirations now – that is each party’s right. However, all parties must be prepared to accept the final decision when it is made.”
He said preserving unity and discipline within the coalition would be critical to its electoral prospects, especially in an increasingly competitive political landscape.
“What matters most now is maintaining unity within the government. Seat negotiations must be conducted in the spirit of cooperation, not internal competition.”
He was responding to Amanah leaders who called for the party to expand its parliamentary footprint in the federal territories ahead of the next election.
Amanah Federal Territories chairman Khalid Abdul Samad had earlier said the party is eyeing three constituencies:Putrajaya, Labuan and Titiwangsa.
Umno had reclaimed Titiwangsa in the last general election when party vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani successfully won the seat after securing 25,042 votes, winning with a majority of 4,632 votes, defeating Khalid who polled 20,410 votes. – By Ikhwan Zulkaflee
