Melaka polls: PKR to field experienced, young and women candidates, says Amirudin

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 — Pakatan Harapan (PH) is expected to firm up its direction for the Melaka state election within a week, with candidate selection now in its final stages, coalition election strategy director Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said today.

He said the coalition wanted to field candidates with a record of serving the community and relevant experience, while giving newcomers opportunities in some constituencies where its traditional support was weaker.

“In some state constituencies where our support is relatively low, we will allow candidates to gain experience. This is part of the party’s and Pakatan Harapan’s long-term plan,” he told reporters after attending the Semarak Kasih event with Yayasan Selangor students here, national news wire Bernama reported.

Amirudin said allowing candidates to gain experience in less favourable constituencies could help build a longer-term plan for PKR and the wider coalition.

He also touched on possible cooperation with Bersatu, saying the matter had not been finalised and a decision would be made soon.

PKR has previously confirmed that it will contest nine seats in the Melaka election. 

Party secretary-general Datuk Fuziah Salleh said Pakatan Harapan would contest more seats overall if PKR’s allocation remained at nine.

PH is scheduled to announce its candidate on October 24.

The Melaka state election has been set for November 14 with nominations on October 31 and early voting on November 10.

In the 2021 Melaka state election, Barisan Nasional won 21 of the 28 seats, while PH secured five and Perikatan Nasional two.