AYER KEROH: Perikatan Nasional did not dismiss the possibility of selecting a first female Melaka Chief Minister if it wins the state election, says Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan.

       The Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) information chief, however, said that the coalition will only make the official announcement should it win the state election.

       "As I mentioned earlier, it is best that we wait after the election before announcing our chief minister candidate.

       "Once we know who wins and is together within the coalition and the state assembly, we will pick the best candidate for Melaka," he told a press conference at its office here on Thursday (Nov 11).

       He was asked to explain the significance of fielding Masjid Tanah MP Datuk Mas Ermieyatie Samsudin in the Tanjung Bidara state seat and whether she will be picked as Perikatan's chief minister-designate.

       Speculation has been rife that Mas Ermieyati is among those who had been shortlisted as Perikatan's chief minister-designate if it wins the state election.

       The deputy minister is in a three-cornered fight in the Tanjung Bidara seat against Melaka Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh and Pakatan's candidate.

       Wan Saiful added that Perikatan will leave it to its top leadership to make such an announcement after the state polls.

       "For Perikatan, our focus now is to win the state election first.

       "Then only we will discuss and announce it.

       "I don't think it is suitable for us to make such an announcement.

       "Actually discussions have already been made and we have an idea who will be our choice," he said.

       He added that there will be an online live ceramah of Perikatan's top leaders tonight that will feature its chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, among others.

       "Let us wait if there is any interesting announcement.

       "For now, let it be left as a mystery first," he said.