Melaka:Pakatan Harapan (PH) is considering contesting all 28 seats in the upcoming Melaka state election if necessary, according to PH Election Director Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. Currently, PH plans to contest between 18 and 21 seats, but the final decision will depend on the central leadership, particularly the PH Presidential Council.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Amirudin, who also serves as Selangor Menteri Besar, mentioned this possibility during a press conference following the opening of the PH Melaka Main Operations Room in Bukit Baru. Present at the event were PH Melaka chairman Adly Zahari, DAP Melaka chairman Khoo Poay Tiong, and Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) Melaka chairman Datuk Ashraf Mukhlis Minghat.

PH Melaka is prepared for various scenarios, including contesting independently, forming alliances with other parties, or joining a larger coalition, as determined by the central leadership. Amirudin stated that PH is ready to contest all seats and may even increase the number of seats they aim to win in the election.

Regarding candidate selection, Amirudin revealed that the component parties are finalizing their candidate lists, which are expected to be announced in about a week. The announcement date will be coordinated with the schedule of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the PH chairman, with at least three or four days' notice before the ceremony.

Amirudin also noted that discussions with Barisan Nasional (BN) are ongoing, with the top leadership yet to make a final decision.

The Election Commission has scheduled November 14 as polling day for the 16th Melaka state election, with nomination day set for October 31 and early voting on November 10. In the 2021 Melaka state election, BN secured 21 of the 28 seats to form the state government, while PH won five seats and Perikatan Nasional captured two.