JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 16 — PKR will contest nine state seats under Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the upcoming Melaka state election on November 14, party secretary-general Datuk Fuziah Salleh said.

She said the names of PKR candidates, together with those from other PH component parties, would be officially announced by coalition chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on October 24.

Fuziah said the announcement would be made during the launch of the PH election machinery at the parking lot of Hang Jebat Stadium in Melaka at 8pm.

“PKR has committed to nine seats as part of PH’s efforts to mount a strong challenge in the Melaka polls.

“The party’s preparations for the state election are now in its final stages, with the candidate selection almost finalised,” she told reporters after the launch of the Southern Zone International Franchise Exhibition tour at the Paradigm Mall Convention Centre here today.

Fuziah was speaking in her capacity as deputy minister of domestic trade and cost of living.

She said PKR’s priority was to ensure all preparations were in place to mount a competitive challenge.

She added that the party would contest only under PH, as no formal political or electoral agreements had been made with other parties.

“Any strategy regarding potential cooperation with other parties are part of PKR’s internal planning.

“However, PKR welcomes any form of support from other parties wishing to assist the coalition for the upcoming Melaka state election,” she said.

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

The Election Commission has set October 31 for nomination, November 10 for early voting and November 14 for polling, following the dissolution of the Melaka state assembly on September 23.