Zahid Hamidi says Melaka election candidate talks will begin after dissolution, while PAS’ GE16 prime minister candidate discussion is premature
The UMNO president said that for now, all planning and discussions should first focus on preparations for the state election.
ISKANDAR PUTERI: Initial negotiations regarding candidates for the Melaka state election will only be held after the dissolution of the Melaka State Legislative Assembly, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Barisan Nasional chairman, told reporters this after attending the 2026 National Orang Asli Sports Carnival at the Educity Sports Complex here today, which was also attended by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
He was asked to comment on the initial negotiations concerning candidates for the state election, as the term of the Melaka State Legislative Assembly will expire in December this year.
Commenting on the issue of a prospective prime ministerial candidate for the 16th General Election (GE16) following recent remarks by PAS, he described discussions on the matter as premature.
“Frankly, it is far too early to put forward a particular person to hold that position. The election may still be far away or it may be near, because we do not know when Parliament will be dissolved. I think it is better that we set that issue aside for now,” he said.
Regarding the dissolution of Parliament, Ahmad Zahid said that the matter falls under the authority of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, acting on the advice of the Prime Minister, and that all parties in the Unity Government would abide by whatever decision is made.
Last Friday, PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang was reported to have said that the party has its own prime ministerial candidate for GE16, but that the time had not yet come to reveal the individual’s identity.
