Barisan Nasional Disputes MCA Seat Allocation in Melaka Election

Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi dismissed rumors that the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) would withdraw from the Melaka state election following a series of internal disputes. The tension began on October 24 when MCA leaders walked out of a candidate announcement meeting, protesting a reduction in their seat allocation to two out of 21 contested seats, down from seven in 2021.

Zahid Hamidi claimed that subsequent meetings with MCA president Wee Ka Siong and Melaka Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh yielded positive results. However, Wee Ka Siong described these claims as premature, noting that the MCA central leadership has not yet reached a final decision regarding its direction for the polls.

Beyond the coalition friction, Zahid Hamidi stated that BN will not replace candidates in Durian Tunggal and Pantai Kundor despite local objections, asserting that these disputes will be handled internally. Nominations for the election are scheduled for October 31, with polling set for November 14.