Fahmi confirms Pakatan vetting complete, Melaka candidates to sign bond with RM10m penalty

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 — Pakatan Harapan (PH) has finished vetting candidates for the 16th Melaka state election, including background checks with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), communications director Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil announced. Candidates will be asked to sign a bond set by the party, with potential fines for breaches.

Should there be a breach, a fine of RM10 million could be imposed, as seen in previous instances for MPs. PH plans to announce its candidates on Oct 24, once the selection process is completed. The Communications Minister expects a blend of new faces and experienced politicians, including those with prior election experience, either as candidates or winners.

This lineup also reflects adjustments to the constituencies PH will be vying for, in coordination with coalition partners. While the final lineup hasn't been confirmed, it is anticipated to include candidates with different levels of experience, from those who have campaigned in other constituencies to those who have previously won.

The 16th Melaka state election is scheduled for Nov 14, with nomination day set for Oct 31 and early voting on Nov 10. In the last state election, Barisan Nasional won 21 out of the 28 contested seats, while PH managed to secure five.