KUALA LUMPUR — Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh has dropped the clearest signal yet that the state election could be called within the next four months, ahead of the assembly’s term ending in December.
Ab Rauf, who also chairs Umno Melaka and Barisan Nasional (BN) in the state, said holding the polls too close to the expiry date would be unsuitable as campaigning would overlap with Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
“We will try to identify a suitable time within these 120 days (to hold the Melaka state polls),” he told reporters after hosting the Sireh Pulang ke Gagang dinner at his residence in Kampung Pulau, Masjid Tanah, last night.
Umno’s strategy still open
Pressed on whether Melaka Umno would contest solo — as Johor Umno decided yesterday — Ab Rauf said no decision had been made.
“We have not considered that yet, whether to go solo or work together with other parties. We will wait for the right time to make an announcement,” he said.
He added that BN’s groundwork had begun last year and claimed public sentiment remained favourable.
“Insya-Allah, based on public reception, the state government (led by BN) is seen as the preferred choice,” he said.
Membership drive gains momentum
Earlier at the event, more than 190 individuals from the Masjid Tanah parliamentary constituency submitted membership forms to join Umno under the Rumah Bangsa initiative.
BN secured 21 of 28 seats in the 2021 Melaka state election. The current term is set to expire in December. – May 18, 2026