AYER KEROH: Pakatan Harapan is targeting to win 18 of the 24 state seats it will contest in the Melaka election on Nov 14.
Melaka PH chairman Adly Zahari said the decision to increase the number of seats from 21 to 24 was made after assessing current political developments and the coalition’s ability to field suitable candidates.
He said the decision also took into account the strength of the party machinery, candidates’ capabilities and acceptance among local residents.
“Initially, we had set a target of contesting 21 seats, but after looking at current political developments and the fact that some political parties had not filled the needs in certain areas, we felt we had the capacity to contest with candidates who had already been identified.
“We eventually decided to contest 24 state seats,” he told a press conference after a PH Hi-Tea with the Melaka Media Practitioners Club (Pendika).
Also present were PKR Melaka state leadership council acting chairman Adam Adli Abd Halim, Bentong member of parliament Young Syefura Othman and Melaka Amanah chairman Datuk Ashraf Mukhlis Minghat, who is also the PH candidate for Durian Tunggal.
Adly, who is also Deputy Defence Minister, said PH was not only aiming to win 18 seats but also focused on retaining the five seats it had previously won, including Kota Laksamana, Ayer Keroh and Banda Hilir.
“Our target from the beginning was 18 state seats, and we believe we have the ability to win in these 18 seats while working to retain the five seats we already hold,” he said.
On the possibility of overlapping candidates with Bersatu, Adly said PH was focusing on strengthening the coalition internally.
He said PH had no control over other parties’ decisions to field candidates in particular constituencies, as each party had its own considerations and strategies.
He also denied that the decision to contest 24 seats was due to failed negotiations with any coalition, stressing that it was based on PH’s own strategy and capabilities.
“Under any circumstances, we cannot control other parties from fielding candidates. What we can control is our own position within PH.
“We know that through this approach, we have greater potential to focus on securing victories for our candidates.
“There is no question of that (failed negotiations). Whether negotiations took place, succeeded or failed, that will depend on the outcome on Nov 14,” he said.
Earlier, Bersatu announced eight candidates for the Melaka polls, setting up straight or multi-cornered contests with PH in four state constituencies: Ayer Keroh, Klebang, Gadek and Pengkalan Batu.