KAJANG: Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari will be named Pakatan Harapan's candidate for chief minister if the coalition succeeds in forming the state government following the 16th Melaka State Election on Nov 14.
Pakatan election director Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said Adly, a former Melaka chief minister, was the best candidate for the position.
"Adly is the best candidate (for chief minister), along with a few others. However, as of now, there is a consensus to name Adly as the candidate, provided we secure a majority or are entrusted with the mandate," he told reporters here on Sunday (Nov 1).
Amirudin, who is also Selangor Mentri Besar, told reporters this after the closing of the National-Level Hawkers and Small Traders Day Carnival 2026 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In the election, Adly, the incumbent Bukit Katil assemblyman, faces a four-cornered contest against Perikatan Nasional candidate Ridzuan Sarif, Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) candidate Dr Aliza Che Amran, and independent candidate Abu Bakar Sabudin.
In the 15th Melaka State Election, Adly, who is also an Amanah vice-president, won the seat with a majority of 1,057 votes, defeating three other candidates - Datuk Hasnoor Sdg Husin of Barisan Nasional, Perikatan’s Muhammad Al Afiz Yahya, and independent candidate Abdul Hamid.
Elaborating, Amirudin, who is also a PKR vice-president, said Pakatan was confident of mounting a strong challenge in the state election following the conclusion of the nomination process on Saturday.
The Election Commission has set Nov 14 as polling day for the 16th Melaka State Election, while early voting is on Nov 10.
For the latest updates on the 16th Melaka State Election, visit https://election.bernama.com/prn/melaka/2026/. - Bernama
