BAGAN DATUK, Oct 25 – Barisan Nasional (BN) Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has assured that internal friction surrounding MCA’s dissatisfaction over the coalition’s candidate list for the upcoming Melaka state election will be addressed and resolved prior to nomination day on October 31.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, October 25, 2026, after officiating the Bagan Datuk 2026 Sultan Nazrin Shah Bridge Run, Ahmad Zahid acknowledged that communication gaps within the event secretariat had led to confusion regarding last night’s announcement ceremony.
The Deputy Prime Minister confirmed he had met directly with MCA President Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong before the ceremony to address concerns over the lack of advance notification from event organizers.
Ahmad Zahid clarified that initial candidate negotiations had been delegated to Melaka BN Chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh alongside the state MCA leadership, leaving open possibilities for adjustments before final credentials are issued.
“There is still an opportunity if any candidate is not agreed upon because I have not signed the letter of appointment. So it is up to the MCA president to do so,” Ahmad Zahid stated.
MCA Coalition Dispute, Disputed Seats, and Announced Incumbents
Key details surrounding the coalition dispute, candidate announcements, and election timelines include:
- MCA Rejection of Announced List: MCA President Dr Wee Ka Siong declared that the party would not recognize candidates announced under its banner without formal endorsement from its top central committee, calling the unsanctioned announcement unacceptable.
- Reallocated Constituencies: Wee highlighted that traditional MCA seats were allegedly reallocated to other BN component partners without prior consultation or mutual agreement.
- Announced MCA Candidates: The initial 21-candidate lineup revealed by BN included two MCA incumbents—Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem for Machap Jaya and Datuk Lim Ban Hong for Kelebang.
- BN Seat Distribution Strategy: BN intends to field candidates in 21 out of Melaka’s 28 state seats, leaving the remaining seven constituencies to Perikatan Nasional (PN) component parties under a prior political pact.
- Upcoming Election Deadlines: Nomination day for the 16th Melaka State Election is set for Saturday, October 31, followed by early voting on November 10 and polling day on Saturday, November 14.
–NMT
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