Chief minister says Melaka election not far off, dissolution of DUN required by year‑end

As talks and speculation on the upcoming Melaka state election intensify, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh has hinted that the wait will be neither too long nor too soon. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin

By Arif Zikri

First Published: Friday, 11 Sep 2026 5:26 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, September 11 — As talks and speculation on the upcoming Melaka state election intensify, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh has hinted that the wait will be neither too long nor too soon.

Speaking to the press during the 2026 Umno General Assembly at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL), Rauf said that that Melaka must dissolve its state legislative assembly (DUN) by the end of December as its five year term is nearing completion.

“Our efforts have been underway for the past two years.

“We are now merely waiting for the final curtain to fall on this work so we can dissolve the assembly.

“We can’t delay the dissolution of the DUN because the date is inching closer,” Rauf said.

When asked about the possible candidates, Rauf is keeping their identity pretty close to his chest however revealed that they are not closing the door for cooperation with other political parties if the people wants it.

When asked about the possible candidates, Rauf kept their identity pretty close to his chest, but shared that they are not closing the door to cooperation with other political parties if the people want it.

“We will leave it to the people to decide who the best strategic partner is for the Melaka state government.

“I have made it clear that any talks with political parties wishing to join the Melaka democracy stage will only happen once the DUN is dissolved,” Rauf said.

He added that he and his team will continue to fight for the 21 seats in Melaka that they’ve won previously and will not be compromising them for others.

“To contest is the right of any party, but we cannot compromise on the 21 seats we currently hold,” he said.

Aside from that, commenting on Umno’s president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi keynote speech this morning, Rauf has nothing but praise for the head honcho.

He said that the speech outlined a clear direction for Umno in rebuilding its strength not just for the upcoming state election but also for the upcoming general election (GE16).

“GE16 will be the turning point for Umno to become a dominant force in the country’s politics once again,” he said.