MELAKA (Oct 30): Perikatan Nasional (PN) has postponed announcing its candidate for one remaining state seat allocated to the coalition under an understanding with Barisan Nasional (BN) for the 16th Melaka state election.

Its chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said the delay was due to several outstanding matters, not a lack of qualified candidates.

“We have one seat for which we have yet to announce a candidate, but this is not because we lack suitable candidates. There are matters that need to be resolved, which is why we did not announce the name on Thursday night.

“We will settle all the seats by nomination day,” he told reporters at a press conference after PN's candidate announcement ceremony at Dewan Muallim Haji Abdul Wahid, Bukit Katil, here on Thursday night.

Asked whether the delay stemmed from disputes over seat allocations among coalition component parties, Ahmad Samsuri said this was not the case.

He also confirmed that the coalition had mutually agreed to allocate another seat, Bandar Hilir, to MCA.

“Insya-Allah, we are contesting to win. That is the most important thing, and I believe our machinery is working towards that goal. With this cooperation and understanding, I believe success is within our reach,” he said.

The Election Commission (EC) has set Nov 14 for polling in the Melaka state election, with nomination on Oct 31 and early voting on Nov 10.

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