MELAKA: Pakatan Harapan can capture at least 18 out of the 28 seats in the state legislative assembly, claims Melaka PKR chief Halim Bachik.

       He added that PKR is aiming to win a minimum of six seats and could grab as many as nine out of the 11 it is contesting, based on the response from people on the ground and despite the strict campaign restrictions.

       "When I go down to the ground, the latest being in Sungai Rambai, the people's reaction has been good and people told us that they did not want this forced election," he told a press conference on Sunday (Nov 14).

       Pakatan is contesting all 28 seats, with PKR's fellow component parties Parti Amanah Negara putting up nine candidates and DAP, eight.

       Asked if fielding former Umno Melaka chief minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron would reduce Pakatan's chances in Melaka, Halim said it is to the coalition's advantage.

       "As a former chief minister, he has made some good contributions, so for me, this is not an issue.

       "Actually, it will attract Umno voters to vote for Pakatan," he added.

       Melaka voters will choose a new state government on Nov 20.

       The election is being held following the dissolution of the state assembly after four assemblymen, including Idris, withdrew their support for former chief minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali.