Credit : Bernama
MELAKA, November 1, 2026 – Pakatan Harapan (PH) is taking an open stance and leaving it to its members and supporters to decide whom to back in the state constituencies the coalition is not contesting in the 16th Melaka state election, Bernama reported.
Melaka PH chairman Adly Zahari said the coalition had never issued any specific instruction to its members and supporters to back any particular party in those seats, and was confident that they understood the political contest in this election, according to Bernama.
He said PH’s focus for now was on making sure it wins the 24 state assembly seats the coalition is contesting.
“So for every supporter in the areas that PH is not contesting, that support is the right of our members. We understand how they should cast their votes in the coming election,” he told reporters.
Adly was speaking on the sidelines of the national-level 2026 Healthy and Prosperous Malaysia Month (Bulan Malaysia Sihat Sejahtera) celebration in Ayer Keroh on Sunday.
On Bersatu’s eight seats
Asked about Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) contesting eight state seats, Adly said he believed the party had its own plans for the Melaka election.
“I think Bersatu has its own plan because it is a party contesting eight seats. We are focusing on our party (PH) and understand that the main rivals are Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional,” he said.
His remarks reflect PH’s own position as a contesting coalition. The Bernama report did not carry any response from Barisan Nasional (BN), Perikatan Nasional (PN) or Bersatu to his comments.
Background
Adly, who is also Deputy Defence Minister and a vice-president of Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah), is defending the Bukit Katil seat for PH in a four-cornered fight, according to the candidate list published by the Election Commission (SPR).
PH and BN are partners in the federal unity government but are facing each other in several Melaka seats, while PN is also in the contest. BN won 21 of the 28 seats at the last Melaka state election, Bernama has reported.
Earlier on Sunday, Adly also rejected claims by certain parties that the state election was a waste of time and public money, describing it instead as a democratic process for voters to decide who governs the state.
Key dates
The SPR has fixed November 10 for early voting and November 14 as polling day for the Melaka state election, in which 79 candidates are contesting the 28 state seats over a 14-day campaign.
Credit : Bernama
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