MELAKA: Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali has denied that there is a rift between him and Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, saying that they have had many meals together.

       The Melaka Chief Minister said he has no problems with Ab Rauf, who is the state Barisan Nasional chief

       “We have a cordial relationship and we frequently met up during the Dubai Expo 2020 on March 13 and ate meals together," he said.

       “I don’t like to comment on rumours,” added Sulaiman at a press conference at Seri Negeri, Ayer Keroh here on Monday (March 28).

       In a Facebook post on March 16, Ayer Keroh assemblyman Kerk Chee Yee asked all 21 Barisan assemblymen in Melaka to declare their support for Sulaiman as the Chief Minister to prove that his administration was stable.

       Kerk referred to a report in The Vibes which said internal squabbling within Melaka Umno is no secret to locals.

       He also alleged that the report was consistent with speculation that Ab Rauf would take over as chief minister should Sulaiman resign.