Melaka:UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan has proposed that Barisan Nasional (BN) announce its candidate list for the upcoming Melaka state election ahead of schedule.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad, who also serves as the UMNO War Room Secretariat chief, believes that an early announcement would allow shortlisted candidates ample time to prepare and familiarize themselves with voters.

He emphasized that early disclosure is beneficial, stating, "The earlier, the better. We hope the best candidates will be fielded, whether they are incumbents or new faces." He made these remarks at a ceremony where completed Public Works Department (JKR) projects were handed over to the Education Ministry at SMK Durian Tunggal.

Ahmad, who holds the position of Deputy Public Works Minister, also explained that BN's candidates for the Melaka state election would be subject to three levels of screening before the final approval is given by the party's top leadership.