Melaka Polls: MCA to contest 4 seats as BN concedes 5 Seats to Perikatan Nasional
MELAKA: On the eve of nomination day for the Melaka State Election, political parties are finalising their candidates after intense seat-negotiation talks.
The Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) had briefly walked out of the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition meeting, citing dissatisfaction over being allocated a minimal number of seats deemed difficult to win. However, after sustained negotiations between BN Chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and MCA President Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong, along with intervention from Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, they reached a resolution.
Under the finalised agreement, Barisan Nasional will field candidates in 23 state constituencies. Of these, MCA has been allocated four seats: Kota Laksamana, Bandar Hilir, Machap Jaya, and Kelebang.
In tandem with this agreement, Barisan Nasional has conceded five seats to Perikatan Nasional (PN) component parties. PAS will contest Paya Rumput and Bukit Katil. Parti Wawasan will contest Kesidang and Bemban. Gerakan will contest Ayer Keroh.
Uncertainty remains regarding the election symbols to be featured on the ballot for these five seats. Because Perikatan Nasional’s registration is temporarily suspended, the coalition cannot use its official logo. Consequently, parties like Gerakan and Wawasan will officially disclose whether they will contest under their party emblems or alternative symbols during candidate nominations tomorrow.
