PERIKATAN Nasional (PN) has yet to finalise its candidate for Kota Laksamana in the Melaka state election following Parti Rakyat India Malaysia's (MIPP) reported last-minute withdrawal from the contest.
PN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said the coalition was considering several factors before deciding who would contest the seat, with an announcement expected before nomination day on Oct 31.
He dismissed suggestions that the delay was due to a shortage of suitable candidates, insisting that PN had several potential candidates under consideration.
"We have one seat that has yet to be announced because there are several considerations involving the candidate that need to be assessed before a final decision is made.
"There are several outstanding matters that need to be resolved. That is why the candidate for the seat was not announced tonight.
"We have suitable candidates; we are not short of candidates," he said at a press conference after PN's candidate announcement in Bukit Katil last night.
Samsuri, who is also PAS vice-president, also denied that the delay stemmed from disagreements among component parties over seat allocation.
PN had announced five candidates for the six constituencies it will contest in the 16th Melaka state election.
PAS and Parti Wawasan Negara (WAWASAN) were each allocated two seats, while Gerakan received one.
PAS will field Rafie Ahmad in Paya Rumput and Mohd Rizuwan Mohd Sharif in another constituency. WAWASAN will field incumbent Dr Mohd Yadzil Yaakub in Bemban and Albert Kok in Kesidang.
Gerakan's Melaka chairman Datuk Seri Michael Gan Peng Lam will contest Ayer Keroh.
MIPP was reportedly allocated Kota Laksamana but withdrew shortly before the candidate announcement.
The seat is understood to have been offered as an alternative to a representative of the PAS Supporters Assembly (DHPP), although PN has yet to confirm the arrangement. - October 30, 2026
