PONTIAN: Datuk Ahmad Maslan (pic) has quashed rumours that he will be contesting a state seat within his parliamentary constituency in the upcoming state polls.

       Talk has been rife that the Pontian MP, who is also Umno secretary-general, will be contesting either the Pulai Sebatang or Pekan Nanas seats.

       MCA previously contested both seats.

       “I can confirm that I am not contesting a state seat, but instead will go around to help my fellow Barisan Nasional candidates.

       "I have already been busy moving around some of the nearby constituencies including Kukup and Pekan Nanas,” he said when met after a Chinese New Year gathering in his constituency here on Friday (Jan 28).

       Asked about seat distribution among Barisan Nasional partners, he said it had yet to be finalised.

       “We have also not finalised the candidates for this election. Anything will depend on the discussion between the presidents of the coalition (members),” he said.

       Asked if there was a timeline for seat negotiations, he said they would speed things up as soon as the Election Commission makes its announcement on Feb 9.

       Asked about Umno wanting to contest more seats in the state polls, he said feedback and “wish lists” were being collected to be presented to the party president.

       In GE14, Umno contested 35 seats, MCA 15, MIC four and Gerakanm two.