MELAKA: Barisan Nasional seat allocations for the Melaka polls are final, with seven constituencies to be contested by its strategic partners, says Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
"We have finalised all negotiations and given seven seats to our strategic partners. There is no problem and no overlap," he told a press conference after Barisan unveiled its 21 candidates at the Melaka International Trade Centre in Ayer Keroh on Saturday (Oct 24) night.
"This has been agreed by all parties. It is not a controversy or sensationalism," said Ab Rauf, who is also caretaker Mentri Besar.
Barisan's 21 seats include two for MCA and one for MIC, he said.
MCA is understood to be unhappy with the allocation. The party contested seven seats in 2021.
"Why would there be any changes? We looked at every angle before we decided and finalised the candidates' names, so why would there need to be changes? Unless (the candidate) dies," said Ab Rauf.
Asked about MCA's position, Ab Rauf said he did not have full information yet.
Ab Rauf also said there would be no clash with Barisan's partners in Sungai Udang, where Datuk Rais Yasin is contesting a seat Perikatan won in 2021.
Incumbent Dr Mohd Aleef Yusof, who has since joined Parti Wawasan Negara, had asked Barisan to respect Perikatan's right to defend the seat.
"If he wants to make noise, that is his right. We are not dealing with him," Ab Rauf said.
"This is a way towards the unity between PAS and Umno that the people have long been waiting for," he said of the pact.
Nomination is on Oct 31, with polling on Nov 14.
