MELAKA, Oct 30 — MCA has announced that it will contest one more state seat in the 16th Melaka state election, after Kota Laksamana was returned to Barisan Nasional (BN) by Perikatan Nasional (PN).
MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong said Melvin Chua will be fielded as the candidate, following discussions between BN and PN after the latter indicated that MCA is better suited to contest the seat.
“This decision was only made and agreed upon today by the party’s top leadership, following the decision to return the seat to an MCA candidate representing BN in the Kota Laksamana state constituency, after taking into consideration his suitability based on his involvement and services in the area,” he told a press conference during a visit to the Bandar Hilir MCA operations room in Melaka Raya here today.
Wee said Melvin is a familiar figure among the local community, particularly through his involvement in community activities and his service in the Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB) administrative area.
The addition of Kota Laksamana means MCA will contest four seats, including Machap Jaya, Kelebang and Bandar Hilir.
Wee said the latest development would not affect MCA’s preparations, despite the decision being made at the last minute, as the party had long been prepared, particularly in the traditional constituencies it was contesting.
He said MCA, as BN’s component party, is ready to face any challenge and has no problem fielding candidates in seats where it is required to contest.
“We have never shied away from our responsibilities. We have no problem contesting any seat and we are ready to face any situation.
“MCA will continue striving to gain the people’s support and put up a fight in the constituencies it contests, including seats considered difficult to win in the Melaka state polls,” he said.
The Election Commission has fixed tomorrow as nomination day for the Melaka state election, with polling set for November 14 and early voting on November 10. — Bernama
