MELAKA: Perikatan Nasional will contest six seats in the Melaka state election, with five candidates announced on Thursday (Oct 29) and the remaining candidate to be named later.
Perikatan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said the coalition aimed to form a strong state government with its partners and urged its election machinery to work hard throughout the campaign.
"We are not just looking to win the seats we contest. We want to show that Melaka can be a foundation for unity and togetherness among all its people," he said at the candidate announcement here on Thursday night.
He said the state election was also important in building momentum for the 16th General Election.
He cautioned supporters not to be complacent, saying that even if the combined votes for Perikatan and Barisan Nasional in the previous state election suggests a comfortable victory is possible, the outcome depends on voters.
"Victory will not come until we cross the finish line on polling day, after the votes have been counted," he said.
He urged candidates and campaign workers to conduct themselves responsibly and respect their opponents.
"Campaign with courtesy, argue with facts, preserve our customs and respect the law," he said.
Ahmad Samsuri also said Perikatan wanted to offer clean politics and serve the people of Melaka regardless of race, religion or political affiliation.
The five candidates announced were Rafie Ahmad for Paya Rumput, Datuk Seri Michael Gan Peng Lam for Ayer Keroh, Mohamad Rizwan Mohamad Sarif for Bukit Katil, Albert Kok Chong for Kesidang and Dr Mohamad Jazil Yaakob for Bemban.
During a press conference later, Ahmad Samsuri said Perikatan was confident its cooperation with Barisan would help it secure victory in the state election.
"We are contesting to win and that is the most important thing. I believe our election machinery is moving towards that goal and, with the cooperation between Perikatan and Barisan, I believe victory is within reach," he said.
Ahmad Samsuri said there was no dispute over seat allocation and coalition needed more time to complete its considerations on the sixth candidate, but added that the matter would be settled by nomination day on Oct 31.
In the 2021 Melaka polls, Perikatan Nasional won two seats, Sungai Udang and Bemban, with both victories coming from Bersatu candidates.
Polling is scheduled for Nov 14.
