MCA’s 2 extra seats not due to political pressure, says Rauf

 The Melaka BN chairman says winnability and assessment of the election field were the key considerations behind the agreement by BN and PN to allocate two additional seats to MCA.

Melaka BN chairman Ab Rauf Yusoh said the understanding on the extra seats was reached amicably, reflecting the coalition’s strong ties of more than seven decades. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Melaka Barisan Nasional has denied that political pressure prompted the last-minute decision to allocate two more seats to MCA for the Nov 14 state election.

State BN chairman Ab Rauf Yusoh said the winnability of candidates and an assessment of the electoral landscape were key considerations behind the decision by BN and Perikatan Nasional.

He said the understanding was reached amicably. BN’s maturity and the strong relationships between coalition partners, built over more than seven decades, enabled seat allocation issues to be resolved through consultation.

“We resolved it through a family-oriented approach. Our sense of togetherness has lasted more than 70 years,” he was quoted by Bernama as saying in Masjid Tanah today.

Earlier today, MCA president Wee Ka Siong said the party will contest a total of four seats: Kelebang, Machap Jaya, Bandar Hilir and Kota Laksamana.

BN initially announced that MCA was allocated only Kelebang and Machap Jaya, prompting Wee to lead a walkout during the announcement ceremony over complaints that the party had not been consulted.

MCA will field Ngwe Hee Sem in Machap Jaya, Lim Ban Hong in Kelebang, Jasmine Lok in Bandar Hilir and Melvin Chua in Kota Laksamana. - FMT