MELAKA – Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has announced that the coalition, together with Perikatan Nasional (PN), will nominate Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh to remain as Melaka Chief Minister following their victory in the 16th state election.
Zahid said the decision was made following the coalition's success in securing an unofficial 24 of the 28 state seats, giving BN and PN a two-thirds majority in the Melaka State Legislative Assembly.
"With this, I announce that Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional hereby nominate Datuk Seri Utama Dr Ab Rauf Yusoh as the candidate for Melaka Chief Minister.
"I will send the letter tonight to the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Melaka," he said during a speech at the BN Operations Centre at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) on Saturday.
The announcement signals BN-PN's intention to retain Rauf as the state's chief executive following the coalition's electoral victory.
Rauf, who is also the Melaka BN chairman, led the state government before the election.
The nomination comes after BN and PN campaigned together in Melaka, marking a significant development in their political relationship following years of rivalry.
Both coalitions had made a concerted effort to demonstrate unity throughout the campaign, including at their joint grand finale in Kampung Krubong, Paya Rumput, where Zahid appeared alongside PN deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man and other coalition leaders.
Zahid said the election result reflected voters' confidence in the coalition's leadership, record of achievements and development direction.
However, Rauf's nomination is subject to the formal appointment by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri.
As of 8pm, results indicate Rauf secured a majority of 7,780 votes in the Tanjung Bidara state constituency.
Rauf garnered 8,704 votes, while his challenger, Mohd Yunazri Mustamiri of Pakatan Harapan (PH), received 924 votes.
In the 2021 Melaka State Election, Rauf won the same seat with a narrow majority of 364 votes.