PUCHONG (Bernama): Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) Srikandi (women's wing) has submitted the names of six candidates to contest in the Melaka state election, says its chief Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun (pic).

       The Women, Family and Community Development Minister, said the names of the six, who are new and local faces, were submitted to Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for consideration.

       "We hope Srikandi will be given the opportunity to field a candidate, and also one who can win and serve the people of Melaka.

       "Currently, we do not have any Srikandi elected representatives in Melaka, so all (candidates) are new faces," she told the media after launching a mobile Local Social Support Centre (PSSS) here Sunday.

       When asked about the total number of women candidates from Perikatan, Rina said it had not been decided yet.

       "We have also submitted names from Perikatan and hope they will receive support so that we will have more women elected representatives. I am sure if given the opportunity, they will be able to carry out their duties and responsibilities well.

       "The number (of candidates) has not been determined as there are some who are demanding seats among the parties," she added.

       Previously, Muhyiddin had said Perikatan would field candidates in all 28 Melaka state assembly seats.

       The Melaka polls are being held following the dissolution of the Melaka state assembly on Oct 4 after four assemblymen withdrew support for the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali.

       The Election Commission set Nov 20 as polling day for the Melaka state election, with nomination day on Nov 8 and early voting to be held on Nov 16. - Bernama