Malacca polls: Rauf says BN seat allocation final as MCA sulks

Malacca BN chairperson Ab Rauf Yusoh has stressed that the coalition's seat allocation for the upcoming state election is final, even though MCA is understood to be unhappy about being allocated only two seats.

"We have finalised all negotiations and given seven seats to our strategic partners. There is no problem and no overlap," Rauf said, as quoted by The Star.

Chinese media reported that MCA president Wee Ka Siong and other party leaders walked out of the hall during BN's candidate announcement at the Melaka International Trade Centre in Ayer Keroh last night.

MCA contested seven seats in the 2021 Malacca state election, but this time it received only two out of the 21 seats that BN will be contesting. Meanwhile, MIC will contest only one seat.

When asked about MCA's stance, Rauf said he had not yet received complete information on the matter.

Rauf further said all parties had agreed to the allocation and dismissed the possibility of any changes to the list of candidates.

"This matter has been agreed upon by all parties. It is not a controversy or something that needs to be sensationalised," he said.

"Why should there be any changes? We have scrutinised every angle before deciding and finalising the candidates' names. So, why should there be any change? Unless (the candidate) passes away," he said.

READ MORE: Rauf, Akmal stay in their safe seats, MCA irked, risky seats left to PN

No overlap

In a related development, Rauf stressed that there is no overlap with BN's coalition partners in Sungai Udang, which will be contested by Rais Yasin.

Perikatan Nasional won the seat in the 2021 state election.

Its incumbent, Dr Mohd Aleef Yusof, who has now joined Wawasan Negara, had previously asked BN to respect PN's right to defend the seat.

"If he wants to make noise, that is his right. We do not deal with him," said Rauf.

Nomination day for the Malacca state election is set for Oct 31, while polling will take place on Nov 14.

Rauf, Akmal stay in their safe seats, MCA irked, risky seats left to PN