MELAKA: Gerakan is mulling to contest a limited number of constituencies in the upcoming Melaka election, says party president Datuk Dr Dominic Lau.
He said the party doesn't intend to field candidates in all state seats but will instead focus on what he described as “favourable” constituencies.
"We also plan to field a mix of young and senior party members as candidates for the state election, including suitable aspirants from both genders,” he said after hosting a media night at a restaurant in Kota Syahbandar here on Wednesday (Feb 4).
In the 2021 state election, Gerakan contested five seats under the Perikatan Nasional banner, while Bersatu contested 15 and PAS eight.
Barisan Nasional swept 21 of the 28 constituencies to secure a two-thirds majority, while Pakatan Harapan won five seats and two by Perikatan.
Lau said he anticipates the next Melaka election to be held either by the end of this year or early 2027.
“Talk is also rife that the state elections may be held simultaneously with those in Johor and Sarawak, while a dissolution of Parliament is also expected around the same period,” he said.
Meanwhile, Melaka Gerakan chairman Datuk Seri Michael Gan said the names of potential candidates for the state election have been shortlisted.
“The names will be submitted to the party leadership for consideration,” he said.
Gan added that negotiations were ongoing regarding the Kota Laksamana constituency with leaders of other Perikatan Nasional component parties, as the seat is likely to be contested by a candidate from PAS’ non-Muslim supporters’ wing (DHPP).
