Idris Haron: I never said I wanted to contest Sungai Udang

MELAKA: Former Melaka chief minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron has not ruled out a return to politics, including considering offers regarding his political future ahead of the Melaka election.

He said he remained open to discussing proposals concerning his political future but maintained that any decision would be his to make.

"My door is always open for discussions, but others cannot determine my position.

"If anyone has proposals, offers or wishes to discuss my political career, these can be brought to the table and discussed amicably," he said at his office in Klebang yesterday.

He was responding to speculation linking him to a possible bid for the Sungai Udang state seat, which falls under the Tangga Batu parliamentary constituency, ahead of the Melaka election on Nov 14.

Idris, a former Sungai Udang assemblyman, said the speculation had prompted numerous WhatsApp messages and phone calls from people seeking clarification.

Some had expressed their support and even offered venues to serve as campaign centres should he decide to contest.

However, he stressed that such support did not mean he had decided to make a political comeback in the election.

"I have never said that I wanted to be a candidate in Sungai Udang. I believe this needs to be clarified so it does not continue to raise questions among the public, especially those who have followed my political journey," he said.

Idris said any decision on his political future must be based on his own considerations rather than assumptions or perceptions held by others.

"Do not take openness as confirmation, and do not turn perception into a decision. The door for discussions will remain open, but my actual position must come from me," he said.

He added that he prioritised political stability and harmony in Melaka, expressing hope that the people could enjoy peace without being unsettled by speculation.

Idris served as Melaka's 10th chief minister for one term after winning the Sungai Udang seat in the 2013 and 2018 general elections under the Barisan Nasional ticket.

In the 2021 Melaka election, he contested the Asahan seat under PKR, representing Pakatan Harapan, but lost to BN candidate Datuk Fairul Nizam Roslan.