Perikatan Nasional's leadership is preparing to sit down for talks with Perlis Menteri Besar Abu Bakar as the coalition tries to defuse a political stand-off in the state. The push for dialogue came after the menteri besar was left cornered by an awkward turn of events within his own party. A two-term rule has cast doubt on how long Abu Bakar can stay in his post, while his suspension from Bersatu has cut him off from the party hierarchy. Coalition figures want a negotiated outcome rather than letting the dispute fester in public. The stated aim of the talks is to reach an arrangement that respects the rules while keeping the Perlis government running. So far no meeting date has been set, and details of who would take part remain unknown.