The BN chairman said the proposal did not pre-empt the authority of the Melaka Yang di-Pertua Negeri in appointing the chief minister.

He said BN was leaving it to the people to decide the outcome of the election, which is scheduled for Nov 14, and hoped voters would give the coalition sufficient support to form the state government on its own.

“We are returning this mandate to the people. The people have already made up their minds and hearts to stand with us.

“I hope this will be reflected in the results and that, after this, we will be able to form a BN-only government in Melaka.

“As BN chairman, I will propose that Datuk Seri Ab Rauf continue serving as Melaka Chief Minister,” he told reporters after accompanying BN candidate for the Tanjung Bidara seat, Ab Rauf, here today.

This is not the first time Zahid has said that Ab Rauf should remain as Melaka Chief Minister if BN secures a mandate and returns to form the state government.

On Oct 23, Zahid had said that his confidence in Ab Rauf stemmed from his leadership record and capabilities, which he had demonstrated since serving as Umno executive secretary.

In the state election, Ab Rauf is defending the Tanjung Bidara seat in a straight fight against Pakatan Harapan candidate Mohd Yunazri Mustamiri.

The nomination of the two candidates was announced by Tanjung Bidara Election Commission returning officer Saifuddin Abdul Karim at the nomination centre at Dewan Datuk Kapt (B) Haji Ab Karim, Japerun Complex, at about 10.35am today.

Commenting on the election campaign, Zahid said he expected a relatively calm atmosphere in Melaka and urged all parties to refrain from slander, insults and derogatory remarks.

“Ab Rauf’s wish for the campaign to be conducted without improper tactics has also received PH’s agreement. I hope they will genuinely uphold the same approach,” he said.

In a related development, Zahid confirmed that BN and Perikatan Nasional were contesting all 28 state seats.

“Umno is contesting 18 seats, MCA four and MIC one, while the remaining seats are contested by our other BN partners,” he said.