MELAKA: The allocation of seats among Perikatan Nasional component parties for the upcoming Melaka state election is expected to be finalised this week.

       State Perikatan chairman Datuk Mohd Rafiq Naizamohideen said so far, negotiations involving Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, PAS and Gerakan were running smoothly and each party had sent their list of candidates.

       “The negotiations have reached 50%. Melaka Perikatan will not only highlight candidates from among party leaders but young people from the grassroots.

       “The candidates must be credible, charismatic, professional, highly educated, enthusiastic and ready to serve the people,” he told reporters in Tanah Merah, Krubong, yesterday. Commenting on the Bersatu candidates, Mohd Rafiq, who is also head of the Melaka Bersatu leadership body, said the party had received a list of candidates from six divisions.

       “I will meet with the party president soon to refine the list of candidates,” he said, referring to Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. — Bernama