MELAKA: Multiracial representation remains central to Barisan Nasional’s leadership, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Barisan chairman said the coalition assured voters that Melaka's various races and communities would continue to have a voice in its political leadership.
"This means... Barisan will always embrace the various races and communities.
"We believe Melaka’s diversity is important in showing a balanced representation at the state leadership level and in state politics," the Deputy Prime Minister said after the declaration ceremony for the second interim profit distribution for Felcra Berhad participants’ projects for this year in Ayer Keroh here on Thursday (Oct 29).
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said MCA had agreed to contest the two state seats allocated to it following a meeting of its top leadership.
"We have received the agreement of MCA, and they have held their top leadership meeting.
"As announced by its president (Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong), MCA will still contest two state seats.
"In terms of representation in the state assembly, we will give them the opportunity to represent the local community," he said.
MCA had earlier expressed dissatisfaction over Barisan’s seat distribution for the state polls after being allocated two seats, from seven in the 2021 election.
However, Dr Wee subsequently confirmed that the party had accepted the allocation following discussions with Ahmad Zahid and would contest under the Barisan banner.
The two seats are Machap Jaya and Klebang, where incumbents Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem and Datuk Lim Ban Hong, respectively, have been named to defend their seats.
The Election Commission has set Saturday (Oct 31) for nominations, Nov 10 for early voting and Nov 14 for polling.
