MELAKA: Barisan Nasional will retain Lendu assemblyman Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali (pic) as Melaka Chief Minister if the coalition manages to retain the state after the elections.

       The announcement by Barisan’s Melaka election director Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan on Friday (Nov 5) has ended the speculation that Melaka Umno chief Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh would be named as the Chief Minister, if the coalition manages to secure a two-thirds majority after the polls.

       The move to retain Sulaiman as the Chief Minister was expected to strengthen Barisan’s ability to secure more votes for the coalition.

       Sulaiman was seen as humble and a people-centric chief minister, the same as former chief minister Adly Zahari.

       Melaka Pakatan Harapan had also opted for Adly as the Chief Minister if the alliance manages to administer the state after the Nov 20 polls.

       Only Perikatan Nasional has yet to name its candidate for the chief minister’s position.

       It was highly speculated that Melaka Perikatan chief Datuk Mohd Rafiq Naizamohideen would assume the position.

       The Election Commission has set Nov 8 as nomination day and Nov 20 as polling for all 28 state seats in the upcoming state election.