ALOR GAJAH (Bernama): Discussions on Umno’s candidates for the Melaka state election, which is scheduled for Nov 20, will be made with party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi ( pic) after the launch of the Barisan Nasional machinery on Tuesday (Oct 19).

       Melaka Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusof said the screening of candidates was still being carried out at the divisional level and the shortlist had yet to be scrutinised.

       "There is still much to be discussed and scrutinised tomorrow when the president launches the machinery. As for collaborations with other parties, it is subject to agreement at the highest level. Still, the Melaka Barisan is ready for the election on Nov 20,” he told the media at the Villa D'Acqua in Masjid Tanah here Monday (Oct 18).

       Ab Rauf said the discussions tomorrow would also involve strategies and the election machinery.

       Election Commission chairman Datuk Abdul Ghani Salleh today announced that Nov 20 had been set as polling day while nomination day is Nov 8 and early polling is Nov 16.

       The Melaka state assembly was dissolved after four representatives withdrew their support for the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali. - Bernama