MASJID TANAH: The last-minute announcement on Perikatan Nasional's chief minister candidate is a calculated move by its top leadership, says Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin.

       "I appeal to Melaka voters to give a chance to Perikatan so that the state will be able to see the first female chief minister," said Mas Ermieyati, who is contesting the Tanjung Bidara state seat, at a press conference on Thursday night (Nov 18).

       Earlier, Perikatan chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department will be the coalition's chief minister designate if it wins the state election.

       Both Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan had announced their respective chief minister candidates earlier.

       Mas Ermieyati thanked Perikatan leaders for nominating and trusting her for the position.

       She also thanked the state Perikatan chairman for his contributions and strengthening the machinery as well as coalition in the state.

       Asked if Datuk Mohd Rafiq Naizamohideen had congratulated her, she said that she will be meeting him tonight.

       Asked about her plans for Melaka, she said as a mother, her top priority is to provide food on the table for all families in the state.

       She would also come up with a plan to steer the state economy post Covid-19 pandemic.

       "As a youth candidate, I will also voice out all the concerns from the younger generation," she added.

       She is in a three-cornered fight against Melaka Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh and Pakatan's Zainal Hassan.