At a press conference here today, Wan Saiful said discussions have started on the matter and PN has an idea of who should lead the state government should it win the state election on Nov 20.

“PN’s focus is to win the state polls first and then only announce the chief minister,” he said.

“We will leave the naming of the chief minister to the top leadership. It’s not appropriate for us to announce here.”

Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan have both confirmed their chief minister candidates, namely Sulaiman Md Ali and Adly Zahari, respectively.

Asked if PN was willing to work with BN or PH should it fail to form the state government on its own, Wan Saiful said they would “wait to see” what happens after the polls, as he did not want to make any speculation.

However, he hoped that Mekala voters had learned from the political instability that afflicted recent state administrations and vote for PN.

“We are realistic in our expectations and believe we have a good chance,” he said, adding that PN’s focus was on Melaka’s economic recovery and the people’s welfare.

Wan Saiful also said there was no infighting among PN’s component parties, with seat negotiations completed “harmoniously”.

He denied that PN had made a slow start on the campaign trail, saying the coalition’s brand was well known by the people.

However, he admitted that the tight campaigning restrictions meant that it was difficult for PN to introduce its candidates to the voters, with walkabouts and open ceramahs banned.

He hoped the Election Commission would loosen the SOPs slightly, noting that other coalitions had also complained about the strict rules.

Wan Saiful also said PN would be announcing its manifesto soon, though some things needed to be firmed up. BN and PH announced their manifestos yesterday.

He was joined by three PN candidates at the press conference – Bersatu’s Dr Mohd Yadzil Yaacob (Bemban), PAS’ Kamaruddin Sidek (Duyong) and Gerakan’s Michael Gan (Ayer Keroh).