Melaka: Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh has hinted that the Melaka state election could be held within four months. Ab Rauf, who is also the state UMNO liaison committee chairman and Melaka Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, said it would not be suitable to hold the election too close to the end of the State Legislative Assembly term in December, as the campaigning period is expected to coincide with Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ab Rauf mentioned the intention to identify a suitable time within the 120-day window for the Melaka state polls. He shared this information with reporters after the Sireh Pulang ke Gagang dinner at his residence in Kampung Pulau, Masjid Tanah.

When questioned about the possibility of Melaka UMNO contesting solo, as decided by Johor UMNO, Ab Rauf stated that the decision had not yet been made. He emphasized the need for the right timing to make an announcement on whether to go solo or collaborate with other parties. He also noted that groundwork had started since the previous year and expressed confidence in the public's preference for the current state government led by BN.

At the same event, over 190 individuals from the Masjid Tanah parliamentary constituency submitted membership forms to join UMNO through Rumah Bangsa. In the 2021 Melaka state election, BN secured 21 out of 28 seats, and the current term is expected to conclude in December.