BN to retain Ab Rauf as Melaka CM if coalition wins Nov 14 polls, says Zahid

Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ab Rauf Yusoh will likely retain his position if the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition secures victory in the upcoming 16th Melaka state election on November 14, according to BN Chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. However, this proposal is contingent on the powers vested in Melaka Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Dr Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam.

Zahid emphasized that BN would first seek the people's support before proposing Ab Rauf's name for the Chief Minister position. He hopes that the support will translate into votes, enabling BN to form the state government alongside its strategic partners. During a visit to the nomination center for the Tanjung Bidara state constituency, Zahid also expressed his hope for a calm and fair campaign atmosphere in Melaka, urging the people to carefully evaluate the past performance of the current government under Ab Rauf's leadership.

In terms of contesting the election, BN, along with its partner Perikatan Nasional (PN), will field candidates for all 28 state seats, demonstrating unity even as many predicted MCA's potential boycott or dissatisfaction with the arrangement. BN will contest 18 seats, while MCA will run for four seats and MIC will contest one. The distribution of seats highlights the successful cooperation among parties, contrasting with the initial expectations.