MELAKA: A major shake-up appears unlikely in Melaka Barisan Nasional's line-up for the upcoming state polls, with Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh indicating that all 21 incumbent assemblymen remain on course to defend their seats.
The Melaka Barisan chairman said he was pleased with the performance of the coalition's elected representatives over the past five years, describing all of them as having exceeded expectations.
"All 21 have performed very well. I am very happy with all of them and the satisfaction level for all 21 is high as they have delivered effectively.
"However, I will still consider public perception before finalising the candidate list for the Melaka state election.
"I am waiting for the grassroots survey on the acceptance of their respective assemblymen among constituents," he said when met after inspecting preparations for the National Landscape Celebration at Stadium Hang Jebat here on Monday (Aug 3).
Ab Rauf, who is also the Melaka Chief Minister, said the survey would be among the final considerations before candidates are named.
He anticipated only one or two new faces if the findings warranted changes to the incumbent line-up.
The Melaka legislative assembly comprises 28 seats, with Barisan holding 21, Pakatan Harapan five and Perikatan Nasional two.
On the prospect of an electoral understanding with Perikatan, Ab Rauf reiterated that the coalition remained open to cooperating with any political party under a "Barisan Plus" formula for the state election.
"Barisan welcomes discussions with any political party interested in cooperating for the state election, although any agreement will ultimately depend on the strengths of each party," he said.
Earlier, Melaka Opposition leader Dr Mohd Yadzil Yaakub expressed confidence that discussions between Barisan and Perikatan leaders would begin soon.
The Bemban assemblyman said talks between Ab Rauf and Parti Wawasan Negara president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin were expected to be held shortly to explore a possible electoral understanding ahead of the state election.
However, Dr Mohd Yadzil declined to reveal the number of seats that could be contested under any potential arrangement.
