Melaka PAS chief Zulkifli Ismail said the party has identified the constituencies it is eyeing, 15 of which are held by Barisan Nasional (BN).

The 16 seats are Pantai Kundor, Paya Rumput, Klebang, Tanjung Bidara, Ayer Limau, Linggi, Taboh Naning, Rembia, Durian Tunggal, Ayer Molek, Pengkalan Batu, Telok Mas, Duyong, Sungai Rambai, Merlimau, and Serkam.

All of these seats were won by Umno in the 2021 Melaka polls, except for Kelebang, which was won by MCA.

While Umno did win the Rembia seat in 2021, its assemblyman, Jailani Khamis, joined PAS before the state’s anti-hopping law came into force.

“This decision is in line with the announcement by PAS election director Sanusi Nor during the recent launch of Melaka PAS’s election machinery,” Zulkifli was quoted as saying.

In the 2021 Melaka polls, PAS only contested eight seats under the Perikatan Nasional (PN) banner, while Bersatu vied for 15 and Gerakan five.

PN won two seats through Bersatu’s Dr Yadzil Yaakub and Dr Aleef Yusof, but Yadzil was sacked by his party in February.

The Melaka assembly expires automatically in December, which means the 16th state election must be held by February 2027 at the latest.

However, Melaka chief minister Ab Rauf Yusoh said the state polls are expected to be held this year.