[UPDATED] Melaka polls: Rauf, Akmal to defend seats as BN unveils 21 candidates

AYER KEROH: Barisan Nasional (BN) has unveiled its 21 candidates for the Nov 14 Melaka election, including caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, who will defend Tanjung Bidara.

Rauf, who is also Melaka BN chairman, announced the line-up at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) here tonight.

Present were BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, deputy chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.

Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh will defend Merlimau, following speculation that he might switch constituencies.

Akmal had previously floated Serkam and Sungai Rambai as possible alternatives. He had also said he would not contest if BN cooperated with Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the state election.

Duyong incumbent Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy Abdul Halem was also retained to defend his seat.

BN will contest 21 of the state's 28 seats, while Perikatan Nasional (PN) will contest the remaining seven under an electoral cooperation agreement.

In the 2021 state election, BN won 21 seats to secure a two-thirds majority, while PH won five and PN two.

Nomination is on Oct 31, followed by early voting on Nov 10 and polling on Nov 14.

BN candidates for the Melaka state election:

Kuala Linggi – Rosli Abdullah

Tanjung Bidara – Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh