MELAKA: Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan have clinched their traditional seats in the Melaka polls, with Perikatan Nasional making “little inroads”.

       Barisan won Tanjung Bidara, Ayer Limau, Lendu, Rembia, Durian Tunggal and Asahan.

       The coalition also managed to retain Taboh Naning, Serkam, Merlimau and Kuala Linggi.

       Other notable Barisan victories were the Machap Jaya and Kelebang seats, which were won by MCA, along with the unexpected Gadek seat by MIC.

       Pakatan also managed to defend its traditional strongholds including Bandar Hilir, Kota Laksamana, Ayer Keroh and Bukit Katil.

       Meanwhile, Perikatan only managed to win two seats – Bemban and Sungai Udang.

       There were no straight fights with Barisan, Pakatan and Perikatan fielding candidates in all 28 seats.

       Also contesting were 22 Independent candidates.

       International Islamic University Malaysia legal adviser and political analyst Prof Dr Nik Ahmad Kamal Nik Mahmod said the results showed a repeat of the 14th General Election, with Barisan maintaining the seats that they traditionally won.

       “However, Perikatan seems to have made inroads in a few seats,” he said.

       On the PAS alliance with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia under the Perikatan banner, he said there was unhappiness among the Islamist party’s grassroots for not using its own logo during the election.

       Universiti Sains Malaysia political analyst Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said as expected, Barisan still largely controls the rural seats.