MELAKA: Datuk Seri Idris Haron has denied planning a comeback in Sungai Udang but is keeping the door open to offers to contest in the Melaka polls.
The former Melaka chief minister said he had not announced contesting the seat, describing reports of his possible candidacy as speculation.
However, he acknowledged that media reports linking him to a comeback had created a buzz among constituents in Sungai Udang, which he represented for two terms.
"I am touched that many constituents have even offered their properties for me to use as a command centre for the Melaka polls.
"The truth is, I had no intention of contesting in this election as I am content with kampung life and spending quality time with my family," he told a press conference at his office in Klebang here on Saturday (Oct 17).
Idris said he was not aligned with any political party, although members of his family were part of Barisan Nasional.
Barisan is expected to name senior Melaka executive councillor and incumbent Paya Rumput assemblyman Datuk Rais Yasin as its candidate for Sungai Udang.
The Sungai Udang incumbent is Dr Mohd Aleef Yusof, who won the seat on a Perikatan Nasional ticket in the 2021 state election with a majority of 530 votes.
Idris said claims about his return to Sungai Udang were assumptions arising from current political manoeuvring.
"I have not announced any intention to contest in Sungai Udang and it is purely speculation," he said.
Nevertheless, Idris said he was prepared to listen to proposals and discuss any offer to contest.
Such openness, he stressed, should be regarded as political maturity rather than confirmation that he would be a candidate.
"The door is always open for discussions, but being open to discussions does not mean a decision has been made.
"Others cannot determine my position for me," he said.
Idris also cautioned against presenting unconfirmed information as a settled decision, urging the public to verify claims circulating about his political future.
"What is inappropriate about creating a narrative that a decision has been made when the person concerned has made no announcement.
"Do not mistake openness for confirmation or turn perceptions into decisions.
"My actual position must come from me," he said.
He added that the discussion surrounding Sungai Udang went beyond candidacy, touching on political maturity, accuracy in conveying information and a willingness to communicate openly.
Idris represented Sungai Udang for two terms from 2013 until the dissolution of the Melaka Legislative Assembly in October 2021.
He first won the seat in the 2013 general election and served as Melaka's 10th chief minister from May that year until May 2018.
He retained Sungai Udang in the 2018 general election with a majority of 2,229 votes over his Pakatan Harapan challenger.
Before becoming a state assemblyman, Idris served as Tangga Batu MP from 2004 to 2013 and was also a deputy higher education minister.
