MELAKA: Barisan Nasional president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says the coalition is prepared to face a state election if the Melaka legislative assembly is dissolved.
It's learnt that 13 Umno lawmakers would opt to dissolve the state assembly if dissatisfaction arises on the choice of the new Chief Minister.
"I urge the Melaka people to patiently wait for the wise decision by Tun Dr Mohd Khalil to resolve the political impasse in Melaka," he said in a press conference here Wednesday (March 4).
Zahid who is also Umno president said he had submitted the names of party-backed candidates for the Chief Minister's position.
He said it's up to the prerogative of Tun Dr Mohd Khalil to elect the next Chief Minister.
"For Barisan and Umno, our stand is to respect the decision of Yang-di Pertua on who should be the new Chief Minister," he added.
Meanwhile, Melaka's state secretary Datuk Seri Hasim Hasan announced that the swearing-in ceremony of the new Chief Minister will be held this Friday (Mar 6).
Umno has recommended its Lendu assemblyman Datuk Sulaiman Md Ali for Chief Minister while Parti Pribumi Bersatu has nominated Paya Rumput assemblyman Datuk Mohd Rafiq Naizamohideen.
Umno has 13 assemblymen while Bersatu commands two state seats.
The other Bersatu state seat is held by Telok Mas assemblyman Noor Effandi Ahmad.
Two other assemblymen, who had recently defected to Perikatan Nasional - Rembia assemblyman Datuk Muhammad Jailani Khamis and Pengkalan Batu assemblyman Norhizam Hassan Baktee - have not openly stated on which party they are supporting.
When contacted, Norhizam said he would rather stick to Umno's choice of Chief Minister.
"I just want to work and want a very supportive and loving Chief Minister," he added.
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