Melaka polls: MCA's four-seat allocation reflects BN solidarity, says Zahid

MASJID TANAH: The allocation of four seats to MCA for the Melaka state election reflects the party's solidarity with Barisan Nasional (BN).

BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the decision also dispelled speculation that MCA would boycott the election or be unhappy with the seat allocation.

He said MCA had instead remained with BN and was given the opportunity to field candidates in four seats.

"This is a manifestation of solidarity. Many had expected MCA to boycott the Melaka state election or, at the very least, be unhappy with the seat allocation, but that did not happen.

"Instead, MCA was given four seats," he said after accompanying BN's Tanjung Bidara candidate, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Rauf Ab Yusoh.

On the challenge of facing MCA candidates in opposition strongholds Bandar Hilir and Kota Laksamana, Zahid said they would work hard to secure victories in both constituencies.

"As part of this cooperation, we will work hard to ensure victory in all the seats we are contesting.

"At the very least, in seats we previously lost, we aim to reduce the winning majority," he said.

He said BN and Perikatan Nasional (PN) would contest all 28 state seats in the Melaka election, with Umno contesting 18 seats, MCA four and MIC one, while the remaining seats would be contested by PN component parties.