Melaka CM hints at state polls within four months

 

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MELAKA: Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh has hinted that the Melaka state election could be held within four months.

The Melaka Chief Minister, who is also the state Umno liaison committee chairman and Melaka Barisan Nasional chairman, said it would not be suitable to hold the election too close to the end of the state legislative assembly term in December, as the campaigning period was expected to coincide with Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

"We will try to identify a suitable time within these 120 days (to hold the Melaka state polls),” he said when met by reporters after the Sireh Pulang ke Gagang dinner at his residence in Kampung Pulau, Masjid Tanah, here on Sunday (May 17) night. 

When asked whether Melaka Umno would contest solo as decided by Johor Umno yesterday, Ab Rauf said the matter has yet to be decided. 

"We have not considered that yet, whether to go solo or work together with other parties. We will wait for the right time to make an announcement. 

"We have already started groundwork since last year and insya-Allah, based on public reception, the state government (led by Barisan) is seen as the preferred choice,” he said.

Earlier at the event, more than 190 individuals from the Masjid Tanah parliamentary constituency submitted membership forms to join Umno through Rumah Bangsa. 

Barisan won 21 out of 28 seats in the 2021 Melaka state election, and the current term is expected to end in December. - Bernama