UMNO is open to negotiations over seat allocations, says its secretary-geneal Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.

He was responding to Johor PKR chief Dr Zaliha Mustafa, who said the party is ready to negotiate with Umno over seat allocations for the upcoming state polls.

“We are not going to close the door on any negotiations with any parties. Umno is always open to negotiations with any party. It is not a problem,” he told reporters after officiating at the closing ceremony of the MARA International Education Conference (MIEC) 2026 on Wednesday (April 8).

On April 6, it was reported that Zaliha said any cooperation must be cordial to ensure political stability and secure victories for both allies in the federal government.

On a separate matter, Asyraf Wajdi said that if there is any escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, Mara is ready to bring back its students studying in the region and surrounding areas.

“We are always on alert and vigilant. That’s why we are in close contact with Wisma Putra,” he said, adding that they have students in Georgia and Egypt, among other countries.

“We have evacuation plans ready, which we will coordinate with Wisma Putra (if needed),” he added.