Melaka polls: BN-PN nominate Ab Rauf as CM

AYER KEROH: Datuk Seri Dr Ab Rauf Yusoh has been nominated for a second term as Melaka Chief Minister following Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional's victory in 24 of the 28 state seats.

BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced the nomination tonight, saying Ab Rauf's letter of nomination would be submitted to Melaka Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Mohd Ali Rustam.

"Therefore, I hereby announce that Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional nominate Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Rauf Yusoh as the candidate for Melaka Chief Minister," he said.

Zahid was speaking after announcing BN-PN's unofficial victory at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) here.

He said the 24-seat tally gave BN-PN a more than two-thirds majority, allowing the coalition to form the state government and continue the administration under Ab Rauf's leadership.

He said the result reflected voters' acceptance of the administrative track record, political stability and development direction offered by the two coalitions.

"This mandate of more than a two-thirds majority proves that the people of Melaka continue to choose the track record, stability and development direction offered by BN and PN over the political rhetoric played up throughout the campaign period," he said.

Zahid described the victory as a continuation of the "blue wave" momentum that began in Johor, spread to Negri Sembilan and had now gained further strength in Melaka.

He added that the strategic cooperation between BN and PN during the election would be further strengthened to ensure a stable, united and credible state government.