MELAKA: Voters could go to the polls as early as Oct 31, with Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh outlining three possible election timetables ahead of the Election Commission’s (EC) decision on Melaka polls.
The caretaker Chief Minister said the earliest option would be nomination on Oct 17 followed by polling on Oct 31, while another possibility was nomination on Oct 24 and polling on Nov 7.
“However, the EC may consider another option as Nov 7 falls on the eve of Deepavali, which is on Nov 8.
"The third possibility is nomination on Oct 31 and polling on Nov 14,” he told The Star when met at his home in Kampung Pulau, Masjid Tanah, here on Saturday (Oct 3).
Ab Rauf said these were possible dates, with the election timetable to be determined by the EC at its special meeting on Oct 7.
He said Barisan was ready to face the election whenever it was held, citing its work through the Wakil Rakyat Untuk Rakyat (WRUR) programme across all 28 state constituencies over the past three years.
“We have served constituents throughout Melaka, including those in Opposition-held seats, through WRUR,” he said.
Ab Rauf said WRUR had recorded an 80% approval rate among the grassroots, adding that he expected the support and welfare assistance provided through the programme to translate into votes for incumbent representatives, particularly those from Barisan.
He said more than 100,000 people had attended WRUR programmes across the 28 constituencies, with 5,170 complaints received for action and resolution.
Ab Rauf, who is also Melaka Barisan chairman, said the coalition was confident of retaining all 21 seats it won in the 2021 state election.
“With the positive sentiment at the grassroots, we believe we can win more than 21 seats, depending on the electoral pact that is being negotiated,” he said.
Asked about talks with other political parties on cooperation for the coming polls, Ab Rauf said negotiations were still in progress.
“I have been given the mandate by the leadership to negotiate.
"We are looking for partners who can safeguard the interests of all races and ensure the state continues to progress,” he said.
He said the outcome of the negotiations would be referred to the Barisan leadership for a final decision on its election partners.
Ab Rauf also pointed to seven awards received by the Melaka government under the 2025 Public Complaints Recognition initiative, presented recently by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, as recognition of its efforts to address public concerns.
“These figures are more than just numbers. They are evidence of work carried out with commitment,” he added
The EC’s Oct 7 meeting will discuss arrangements for Melaka’s 16th state election following the dissolution of its legislative assembly.
Ab Rauf announced the dissolution on Sept 22, with it taking effect the following day. The election will be held for all 28 seats in the assembly, whose term would otherwise have expired on Dec 27.
