Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi described the coalition’s victory in the 16th Melaka state election as a hat-trick of electoral successes, following its victories in Johor and Negeri Sembilan.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Umno president, said BN and its new strategic partner Perikatan Nasional (PN) had secured a strong majority of 24 seats in the 28-seat Melaka state assembly, paving the way for the formation of the next state government.

He said the latest victory further strengthened the momentum of the so-called Blue Wave, which began in Johor, continued in Negeri Sembilan and had now been reinforced in Melaka.

“This hat-trick of three consecutive victories is not a reason for us to be boastful. Instead, we receive it with gratitude, humility and a sense of responsibility,” he told a press conference at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) tonight.