MELAKA - Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) have secured a two-thirds majority in the 16th Melaka state election, paving the way for them to form the new state government and retain their political dominance in the historic state.
BN retained 21 of the 28 state assembly seats it won in the 2021 election, while PN had officially secured one seat as of 10.45pm tonight.
BN won Kuala Linggi, Tanjung Bidara, Ayer Limau, Lendu, Taboh Naning, Rembia, Gadek, Machap Jaya, Durian Tunggal, Asahan, Sungai Udang, Pantai Kundor, Kelebang, Pengkalan Batu, Ayer Molek, Duyong, Telok Mas, Rim, Serkam, Merlimau and Sungai Rambai.
PN officially won Bemban, while its victories in Paya Rumput and Bukit Katil had yet to be announced by the Election Commission (EC).
Pakatan Harapan (PH), meanwhile, retained its four seats in Ayer Keroh, Kesidang, Bandar Hilir and Kota Laksamana.
Parti Bersama Malaysia, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra) and three independent candidates failed to win any seats.
The election saw 79 candidates contesting the 28 state seats, with PH fielding the most candidates at 24, followed by BN (23), Parti Bersama Malaysia (16), Bersatu (seven), PN (five), Putra (one) and three independents.
Melaka PH chairman Adly Zahari said the coalition accepted the election outcome and respected the people's mandate despite winning only four of the 24 seats it contested.
Meanwhile, BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said BN and PN had agreed to nominate Tanjung Bidara assemblyman Datuk Seri Dr Ab Rauf Yusoh as Melaka Chief Minister.
Ab Rauf is scheduled to be sworn in as Melaka's 13th Chief Minister at the Melaka Governor’s Office in Seri Negeri tomorrow.
The state election was held following the dissolution of the State Assembly on Sept 23. - BERNAMA